Outdoor Painting Adventures in the Caribbean

My idea of a perfect day always involves packing my art supplies and finding a tranquil outdoor spot to paint. Of course, it also includes pizza, champagne, and a massage, but let's focus on the painting. Recently, as part of our collaboration with Dinogo Cruise Lines, my sister Amanda and I returned from a delightful girls' getaway cruise that took us from Puerto Rico to the stunning Eastern Caribbean islands, including St. Thomas (and a catamaran trip to St. John), Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and St. Maarten. While my sister lounged on the beach in Barbados, I took a taxi to a tropical paradise for a day filled with exploration, painting, and sipping on rum punch.

Nestled within a natural sinkhole in the lush rainforest of Barbados, Hunte’s Gardens feels like a hidden enchanted realm. This brilliantly crafted space features winding paths that meander through native palm trees, vibrant floral displays, and cozy seating areas that beckon you to explore further. It's a tropical paradise that inspires awe and artistic expression...

Motivated by this stunning natural retreat, conceived by the acclaimed horticulturist Anthony Hunte, I felt compelled to sit down and capture the beauty in my painting journal. I always carry a moleskin notebook, colored pens, and my watercolors with me. While finding time to paint at home can be a challenge, traveling provides me with the perfect opportunity to create. The art I produce during my travels ultimately inspires my pattern designs, which I showcase in my Spoonflower shop and feature in our upcoming book, Pretty Prudent Home, set to release next Spring!

On the veranda, I finally got the chance to meet that delightful host along with his guests from various corners of the globe. They were enjoying refreshing rum punch, a delightful mix of freshly squeezed juices and locally crafted small-batch rum. I could have easily spent the entire day there, relishing the good company, the stunning views, and the delicious drinks. However, my driver, Maria, was waiting to take me back to the ship, where pizza, champagne, and a massage awaited. Was it the best day ever?

As we found ourselves on the eastern side of the island, I persuaded my driver to make a brief stop at the renowned surf destination, Bathsheba Beach. It was every bit as stunning and untamed as I had imagined. After snapping a few photos, we meandered through the countryside while Maria shared fascinating stories about the British colonization of the island, the rise and decline of the sugar plantations, and some must-visit spots for my next trip to Barbados. One day was simply not enough!