The Pink Sands of Barbuda

Barbuda is the less-developed, smaller sister island of Antigua.

The entire island is 62 square miles, with a population of 1500. A global ad campaign sums up its appeal nearly perfectly: “We have one ferry, two flights and ten taxis. We’d love you to come, but please, not all at once.”

Upon setting foot on the remote island of Barbuda, I was washed over with a refreshing blend of serenity and vibrancy. 

A spectrum of blues — from the vast, clear skies, to the turquoise water of the sea — danced before my eyes. And then there were the pinks – the famed pink sands of Barbuda – sprinkled along the shore in what looked like a fantasy.

The pink hue in the sand is actually created by millions of tiny shells deposited by the waves.

Barbuda is known as the ‘pinkest’ of the Caribbean pink beaches, but it’s brightness fluctuates with the seasons.

Apparently, the color is most prominent between October and January.

As an avid nature and animal lover, while we were vacationing in Antigua, we took this day trip to Barbuda to visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary.

Once in Barbuda, we crossed over a lagoon in a small boat to get to the bird sanctuary. There, thousands of magnificent frigate birds were soaring, nesting, and frolicking against the backdrop of the Caribbean sky. Their distinctive red gular pouches, which they inflate to attract mates, added vivid splashes of color to the landscape, reminiscent of vibrant balloons.

Guided by a local expert, we learned about the fragile ecosystem of the sanctuary and the intricate relationships between the various bird species.

While the beauty was undeniable, what truly captivated my heart was the spirit of the island and its inhabitants.

The warmth of the people, the gentle sway of the palm trees against the backdrop of traditional wooden houses, and the melodies of the island birds – Barbuda felt like a melody in itself.

I'd like to extend my gratitude to the people of Barbuda for their incredible hospitality and for letting me experience their paradise. This journey has been a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world, and the infinite ways in which it can inspire creativity.

In the painting, Pink Sands, the fluid blues represent the ever-changing dance of the sea and sky, while the soft, gentle pinks speak to the island's ethereal charm.

But this piece is more than just a portrayal of the island's physical beauty. It’s my interpretation of the island's heartbeat, the rhythms of Barbuda that I felt during my stay.

Pink Sands, 30 x 40”, acrylic on canvas.
Original painting, hand signed. Maple frame included.

Purchase the original painting online: Pink Sands

Fine Art Prints now available in both paper and canvas here.