So yes, I have been painting since those painting lessons last year, building up supplies, dabbling and experimenting with it all!
I did say I’d probably share some related posts so here’s one to start with – inspired by the photograph below, using acrylic paints.
I always say ‘inspired by’ because I’ve decided not to try and force my paintings to look exactly like the photo, where I’ve tried to do this – sometimes it ruins the piece (for me), from trying too hard, and the joy of the process is lost. I prefer to just go with the flow and let it be whatever it turns out to be (though sometimes this approach doesn’t end well lol, but that’s ok, it’s all just for fun)!!!
A lot of art just hints at an image, place or scenario without clearly defining it – sometimes that’s the beauty of it….anyway enough of the artsy talk 🎨

Photo: A beach on the Varadero strip, Cuba.
Most of the paintings I’ve done so far are based on photographs I’ve taken and collected over the years – so if the painting gives me fond memories and takes me back to that time and place then it’s a personal success for me.
I’ll be trying to catch up on as many of your blog posts as possible today…..well overdue!! 😉
Wishing you all happy blues – and a great week ahead x 🤗🔆💙
maristravels
You brought Varadero Beach back to me vividly. I can’t recall it exactly but the vibe is right, so you’ve sold your painting to me! I’ll catch up with some more posts now.
Cherryl
Aww, that’s lovely to hear, thank you 💐🤗
authorfleurl
Love the colours!
christinenovalarue
💙💙
crisbiecoach
Oh my God Cheryl, I have been on Varadero last December and your paintings look so real that they brought me back wonderful memories!
Cherryl
Crikey, that’s good to hear lol, I hope you had a lovely time there 😊🌴🔆
crisbiecoach
Oh yes I enjoyed a lot!
Cherryl
👌💫
TRAILBLAZER
I love your amazing photos. They are so inspiring. Keep posting and enjoy. Please visit my blog. Follow and comment to my posts. Thank you.
Equipping
A very good article. Thanks for following my site.
Flowerpoet
Beautiful artistry 😍💕✨
Cherryl
💐 x
usfman
I’ve never been to Cuba but your lovely painting increases my interest in doing so.
Cherryl
Thanks, one of many places to find a beautiful beach.
Rosaliene Bacchus
Beautiful painting. Filled with lots of tropical sunshine. Thanks for the follow 🙂
Cherryl
Aww, thank you Rosaliene✨
Ellie Thompson
Your paintings are really good, Cherryl. I really like the contrast between the vibrant green leaves, the vivid blue of the sky and the almost white sand. Cuba looks like a beautiful place. I’ve never been there, but then I haven’t been anywhere, unless you count Benidorm on my honeymoon, too many years ago to admit to! I love that you are painting things that feel right to you. It’s as much about enjoying the process as it is about the end result. Keep at it, Cherryl. Xx 🌞💕
Cherryl
I probably mentioned in an old post that locals in Cuba seemed to hate Varadero and it does have a bit of a reputation for being the least Cuban part of Cuba, a tourist trap of beaches and resorts, not the real Cuba. You may not be missing much in that respect lol. Nevertheless, I enjoyed spending the last part of my trip there just to relax – you can’t beat a bit of beach right! 🌴x
The Devotional Guy™
Vibrant and colorful—good work. Thank you for sharing these paintings with us.
Cherryl
You’re welcome, thank you.
ambica gulati
You got the sky perfectly.
Yeah, Another Blogger
Your paintings are invigorating.
Cherryl
I’ve only shared one so far, but thank you.
100 Country Trek
Such an amazing site.
windowcolquhoun810
I can almost feel the windswept trees and the cool breeze. I haven’t been to Cuba as yet! 😉
Cherryl
I’m glad you’re getting a feeling from it – and hope one day you get to take a Cuba trip too 🤗 🏝
catterygirl
Lovely and tropical looking.
Awakening Wonders
Reminds me of tropical vacations!
Bruce @ walkingoffthechessboard
Beautiful paintings, Cherryl. Go with the flow!
Cherryl
Thanks Bruce, will do 🎨 😊
NattyTravels
This is such a great piece of art. Those lessons have clearly paid off. Congratulations to you!👏🏾
Cherryl
Thanks Natalie ✨
Ab
Cuba was the first major trip I took back in 2004 as an adult and it was a lovely place. I can see and feel it in your painting!
Cherryl
Love that 💫 😊
Sheila Landry Designs
I really like your paintings, Cherryl. It is wonderful when we do something close to our hearts. Your attitude toward your paintings is perfect. They are lovely. 🙂 Have a great week!
Cherryl
Aww, thank you Sheila, best wishes 🤗✨
leo f. brady
lovely 😉
Cherryl
Thank you ✨