It feels like an eternity since I last embarked on a journey with my sketchbook in hand. Amidst the global pandemic, I bid farewell to my teaching job in Hong Kong and returned to the comforting embrace of Singapore. The extended periods of lockdown and social distancing transformed me into someone who found solace in the confines of my cozy apartment. My ventures barely extended beyond the distance between my home and workplace. This period of isolation, however, cultivated a newfound passion for cooking, with a heightened focus on the nutritional value of my meals. Rather than immersing myself in the vibrant hues of watercolor pigments, I now find myself captivated by the vibrancy of the produce I use.

Recently, Soultrips expanded its travel destinations, prompting a revival of the Sketch trips idea. Coincidentally, Alii Palau Airlines introduced direct flights from Changi International Airport to Koror, Palau. A brief conversation about Palau had me hastily packing my bags with sketchbooks and watercolors, eager to embark on a diving refresher course. For this journey, I equipped myself with Etchr’s latest Square-formatted 100% cotton sketchbook. The one accompanying me is a prototype I crafted for them a few years ago, soon to hit production. This versatile sketchbook comes in two sizes, ideal for those inclined towards square-format designs for their Instagram posts or expanded into full landscape spreads to capture the entirety of any scenic view. The irresistible draw of Palau's immaculate marine life, particularly at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, fueled my excitement. My return to diving after 18 years was destined to unfold at the renowned Blue Corner.

Despite the exhaustion from a red-eye flight, Andrew, the owner of Solitude One, welcomed me warmly and introduced me to fellow guests on board. An invitation to join the next dive was extended, and I seized the opportunity. Accustomed to solo travel, the idea of being introduced to strangers as an artist initially made me uneasy. Usually, I paint and sketch in solitude, away from prying eyes. Yet, the guests and crew turned out to be exceptionally friendly, and I managed to capture a few sketches of them amid their dives, observing the camaraderie.

On Solitude One, a spacious dive deck dedicated to large groups doubled as a convenient spot for hanging and drying our wet suits. The equipment, meticulously organized and tagged with our names, awaited our next underwater adventure. Post-dive, the attentive crew provided us with freshly prepared towels, adding a luxurious touch to the overall experience.

I diligently captured the daily activities of the crew through sketches, portraying everything from scrubbing the floors to crafting exquisite meals. The crew's friendliness and hard work contributed significantly to the exceptional atmosphere on board. The warm sunlight dancing on Solitude One's white exterior allowed me to document the captivating color transitions throughout the day in my sketches. Sunrises, sunsets, evolving cloud formations, and the shifting light over Palau's iconic rock islands became focal points of my artistic exploration.

My sketchbook became a canvas for plein air studies employing various techniques, including pure watercolor and ink washes, showcasing the captivating beauty of the surroundings. I am particularly pleased that the cotton paper in these sketchbooks met high standards, effortlessly handling heavy washes and lifts, enhancing the artistic process.

In the engine room, I witnessed the roaring engine sounds of the 44-year-old vessel, while in the tiny kitchen, Chef Daniel and his assistant Jener choreographed their cooking to music. Conversations with Andrew, Sol, and Justin revealed inspiring stories behind the creation of Solitude One and the adventurous spirit that led them to embark on this journey.

Throughout the trip, I cherished conversations with fellow guests during dive breaks, ranging from underwater sightings to tales of marine life encounters. The day of the Bumphead parrotfish spawning was a highlight, with the dive site teeming with scuba divers witnessing this remarkable event.

My seven days of sketching and diving in Palau reignited my passion, prompting me to announce the next Travel Sketch trip to Vietnam in April. If you've ever yearned to hone your sketching skills for travel but hesitated to venture out alone, this workshop is perfect for you.

Two sessions are available in April 2024:

• from the 24th to the 27th

• and from the 27th to the 30th.

• The Soultrips package includes a sketchbook, my comprehensive sketching workshop covering materials, subjects, and techniques, a tour guide, and accommodation. Participants are encouraged to arrive a day before the event and depart on the fourth day. To register, visit [link]. For further inquiries about the sketch trip, contact Soultrips via email at hello@soultrips.co or hotline at +65 8042 2618.

To see all my sketches made onboard, click here