Wave Painting Techniques
Ocean waves are a popular choice for artists, but they can be tricky. Transparency and motion are among the most difficult elements for many painters. However, whether you're painting a shining tropical seascape or a dark and stormy ocean, there are a few basic techniques you can use. Just like all other artistic goals, wave painting takes a little practice, but it's worth it in the end.
Composition
In any painting featuring ocean waves, composition is vital. Some painters work without a preliminary sketch, but that doesn't mean they don't go through some planning first. Take the time to look at some real waves, and think about their structure. How do they move? How does light reflect off their surface? What are the differences between a calm sea and a choppy one? These questions will help you understand how water works and represent it.
Many artists believe it's better to draw and paint with no reference. However, this can lead to flat, boring compositions that lack realism. Go ahead and work from several reference pictures when painting waves, especially when you're just starting. Don't just copy one picture-compose your waves from several photos. This will help you better understand how the water moves.
Basic Shapes
Once you have a good idea of your composition, begin laying down basic shapes. Start with just one or two colors and lay down the brightest and most shadowed areas. Plan where your bright foam will be. Watercolorists should be especially careful not to muddy areas that should be bright. Paint with limited amounts of water to prevent excessive bleed, and work from dark to light. Remember, there's no going back in watercolor.
Oil, digital and acrylic painters will have an easier time covering mistakes, but can still benefit from good planning. The lower layers of the painting will usually leave traces in the upper layers. Your waves will look crisper and cleaner if you pay attention during the initial painting stages. Some painters use a grisaille under painting in gray tones to create their basic value, then add color on top. This can help you make certain your waves are dynamic and exciting.
Special Effects
You can paint waves without using any special techniques. It's entirely possible to create a realistic-looking ocean with nothing more than a regular round brush. However, some extra tools will help you get the right effect a little more easily. One option is using a natural sponge. The porous nature of the sponge can help give a foam effect on the crest of the wave. This method is particularly effective in watercolor.
You can produce the effect of light sparkling on the surface of water by dry brushing. Put a little paint on the bristles of a clean, dry brush, and gently drag it across the surface of your paper or canvas. Soft and stiff bristles provide different effects. This technique gives you the appearance of reflected color on the water's surface.
