Painting has been on my list of things to do since I was a teenager. I'm now nearing retirement and have finally got around to having one lesson on how to use acrylics. Although my painting in class was not good, jugs and lemons do not inspire me, I did learn the basics. Armed with a few Windsor and Newton Artists acrylics, a variety of brushes I din't know how to use and some very reasonable canvases I completed my first painting of Sherringham. I know it's not brilliant, but I am very proud of myself for finishing it and more importantly it was recognisable by my family who instantly knew where it was. After a recent cruise around the Baltics the most enjoyable part was the 04.30 very slow and almost silent cruise up to Stockholm. The only sound were birds wings flapping as they took off and with another ship following my second picture was a glimpse of the islands we went through. I have tried to be looser with the picture but understand that I need to loosen up more. I'm going to try a portrait next. As I have even drawn anyone since my school days it will be interesting but hopefully enjoyable.