Relive an Aruba island getaway through sun-soaked memories and island-inspired acrylic paintings. Discover joy, creativity, and polka-dotted art that celebrates color, family, and travel. Originally published in 2017. Lovingly refreshed to keep the color, joy, and inspiration alive.

aruba-collage.square.instagram-1024x1024.jpg — Some favorite Aruba moments all in one place: Eagle Beach’s soft white sand and turquoise waves, a shady palapa, toes in the sand, and a palm tree swaying in the breeze—a little collage of island bliss.

Remembering Aruba: An Island Escape

I’ve been to Aruba many times. Thinking back to this particular trip to Aruba always brings a smile to my face! Brett and I met my parents on the Happy Island of Aruba, and we were immediately swept up in the magic of turquoise waters, soft white beaches, and warm trade winds. The memory of island time, relaxation, and joy still fills me with warmth—and it continues to inspire my art to this day.

We had planned a few excursions, but the island had other plans: slow mornings, long walks on the sand, and sunsets that make your heart full. I even found time to read a book for pleasure—a rare treat at home. This vacation was all about being present, savoring small joys, and reconnecting with family.

Being in Aruba put me in full Jimmy Buffett mode, embracing my Parrothead mentality—letting go of schedules, leaning into playfulness, and fully enjoying the gift of the moment. Escapism doesn’t have to be literal; sometimes it’s just about slowing down, savoring simple pleasures, and letting yourself be present (read more about embracing escapism).

Island time in a hammock—just letting the breeze carry worries away.

“The weather’s always perfect when you’re in a hammock”
— Jimmy Buffett

To bring a little of that island feeling home, I’d love to share my favorite Margarita & Key Lime Martini recipe with you—a tiny sip of sunshine! You can grab it right here by joining my newsletter, and enjoy a playful, tropical moment wherever you are.

Island-Inspired Paintings

These two paintings capture the joy, color, and texture of the islands, inspired by the spirit of Aruba:

"Polka Dotted Landscape" acrylic, 12 x 12 inches — **Polka Dotted Landscape** – Acrylic, 12 x 12 inches, featuring thick, textured dots inspired by the playful energy of the beach.

"Poetry of the Day" acrylic on wood panel, 12" x 12" — **Poetry of the Day** – Acrylic on wood panel, 12 x 12 inches, featuring a found poem along the horizon:

Mother Nature's brilliant display of color
brighter than the poetry of the senses,
joyful simplicities nourish body and soul,
engaging our senses,
the highest reflection of your soul,
quiet, reflective, positive

The islands have a way of sparking creativity—much like my time in Key West or during an artist’s retreat in Aruba, where I explored new ways to play with color, texture, and joy.

These paintings capture moments of joy, reflection, and creativity—just like the calm, inspiring atmosphere of the islands themselves.

A little study of a palm tree swaying in the sun—reminding me how gentle moments of stillness can carry the feeling of an island escape.

A Little Sunshine Wherever You Are

I hope these glimpses of island life, family connection, and art bring a little sunshine and joy into your day. Let yourself embrace a bit of escapism whenever you can—it can be as simple as a walk in the sun, a playful painting, or imagining yourself on a distant shore.

Sending you a little sunshine wherever you are!

☀️

laura :)