I have always painted water… my many years in Search of Surf began with my family and throughout my life led me to most of the Seven Seas.

Waltraud, my mother, me the little towhead, my sister Heidi with ponytail. Catalina Island 1968

With that came the appreciation for the infinite variations and shades of blue.

My terrestrial years spent in Tuscany make me long for oceans and vistas of open waters and endless horizons. My desire to return to the water drove me to join Sandra and Saim on this trip.

Seven days on a Turkish sailing vessel, or gulet, sailing the Turquoise coast.

Three delicious and fresh meals a day, high tea and Turkish coffees. 10 painters.

Exploring ancient abandoned villages…  Melancholy Kayaköy

Lydian ruins

Lycian tombs

Cleopatra’s baths

Locals making their lives in the 21^st century 

Sleeping on deck under the stars, lulled to sleep by gentle breezes, the tinkling of the halyards, a silent falling star. Waking up in the middle of the night to see Orion wheeling overhead.

All the while my mind in the waters… three glorious swims a day.

This may sound a dream out of Homer or Byron, but now looking back, it seems that perhaps only the tale of this being Cleopatra’s baths were a fiction. They say Cleopatra and Marc Antony spent their honeymoon cruising these waters… and all coves along this coastline claim to have at some time harbored their love boat.

Captain Can (pronounced John) Taner and his son were gracious hosts.

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Waltraud, my mother, me the little towhead, my sister Heidi with ponytail. Catalina Island 1968