We love Venezuela and since we speak the language, we will stay as we have old friends here

Have you ever walked along the beach and noticed the large sea beans that are sometimes scattered about? Andy Brandt, an international artist, has directed her talents to painting, in oils, on just such large pods. “While cruising the Bahamas, Cuba and the Turks & Caicos for eight years on our Irwin 38 CC Oma & Opa, we would regularly comb the beaches discovering Sea Beans. Cruisers call them ‘Lucky Beans’ because you have to be lucky to find them.” Sea bean vines grow along rivers and coasts. When the pods ripen, they split open and the seeds drop into the water beneath, where they are dispersed by ocean currents. The beans have a thick seed coat to keep the salt-water out. Their internal structures make them buoyant enough to float so they can drift for thousands of miles before washing onto land. “At the time I was painting canvases in oil, which are too large and cumbersome to carry on a boat—then I got the idea of painting on beans. My husband, Roger, would sand the beans and wipe them with acetone. As each stroke is a complete line, I use only the smallest and finest Russian sable brushes. Such small painting is time consuming and difficult but I enjoy painting marine motifs on them, as I have always loved the water. They are a natural for me - small islands, lighthouses, boats, fish and marine animals. “When I think they are perfect, I spray-varnish the results. Roger then drills holes through the beans, running a leather string through each so my clients can wear them as necklaces. I have painted over a hundred and sold most within the cruising community. My family, friends and grandchildren love them also; they have become family heirlooms along with the silks I created several years ago.”