I've just arrived home after a wonderful voyage across the Atlantic in this magnificent ship. I was teaching art classes every day, they were busy with many guests, most coming to all the classes and some just starting in the last day or two. I plan the classes as a progressive course covering many basic techniques and lots of tips and ideas, after my introductory talk and demo I then run over anything the newcomers might have missed. Then I walk around the class and help each guest with their individual work, helping them to solve technical problems and tap into their own creativity and preferences. It's exhausting but incredibly rewarding as people who are sometimes complete beginners find that they can produce some paintings they can be proud of, and also I love to see more experienced artists trying a new approach. We had both on the QM2, and also many levels in between - it's wonderful to see the range of interpretations and styles. I always suggest a theme and will take people through a particular project but also emphasise that they are free to paint whatever they like - I provide many different photographs as inspiration (all my own photos, either of landscapes I've experienced or paintings I have done). The feedback on this last voyage was so enthusiastic that it gave me a great boost and I realise that I can really help people grow in skill and confidence - it makes all that hard work worthwhile! Here are some of the comments:

'A really brilliant week. Thanks for a refreshing approach to art. Learnt so much & enjoyable too."
'I loved the classes, I learnt so much & hope I have the opportunity to learn from you again.'
'Fantastic opportunity to learn watercolor while on this transatlantic journey! Excellent presentations. Key concepts to learn. With just a few lessons a foundation for future experimenting with the watercolor medium'
'What a joy! So much fun while learning!'
'Thank you Helen – I have learned so much and love your book too!!'
'Absolutely brill – you’ve saved me years of study.'
'Fantastic class, such positive energy, thank you!'