While I might not claim to be an expert in painting water, my artistic journey around coastal themes has compelled me to work on this element extensively!
In my creative process, I embrace the notion that nothing I create is entirely real or totally imagined. This duality gives me the freedom to explore a balance between observation and abstraction. I observe my real surroundings to grasp how light dances on the water’s surface, yet I often enhance reality in my work.
Sometimes, I amplify colors, accentuate waves, or modify hues to better align with my artistic vision. In essence, I fully embrace my creative freedom!
A helpful piece of advice for capturing water scenes from reference photos is to select images that truly resonate with you. My favorite references come from those rare moments that convey dive deeper feelings or significant ordinary events. Such imagery enriches the painting experience by infusing it with emotion and narrative.
Currently, I’m embarking on a fresh series of beach-themed pieces that blend abstraction with realistic depictions of bustling beach days. These works reflect both the surface elements observed and the memories tied to these beautiful settings. This balance is evident in my paintings Watching Boardmasters, Fistral Beach featured at the beginning, alongside Crantock Beach just below.
Each viewing transports me back to cherished summer memories—that essence of “special” is precisely what I strive to encompass.
Guidelines for painting water
Experimentation plays a large role in my artwork, yet I consistently return to a few tried-and-true techniques:
1. Let the paint flow
Occasionally, I mix highly pigmented acrylics with water, allowing them to emulate watercolor techniques, letting the water dictate the flow across the canvas. Although I steer clear of letting it drip uncontrollably, I allow it some freedom, which can yield beautiful watery effects. A dash of white paint may be added to mimic the crashing waves along the shore.
2. Avoid striving for photo-realism
Pursuing every minute detail in every wave and ripple is futile and exhausting. Instead, focus on how your tools can aid in the painting process. For example, when creating glimmers on the water’s surface, a gentle splash from a brush can help achieve perfect sunlit highlights.
3. Personalize your reflections
When crafting reflections in water, let creativity guide your choices. While traditional wisdom suggests that reflections appear more muted than the original colors, don’t feel bound by this guideline; sometimes vivid colors can enhance your artwork based on your intended composition.
Moreover, feel free to explore unconventional colors in your reflections—even those unusual tones not typically associated with water. Instead of solely viewing water as blue—a representation stemming from the sky above—consider reflections that provide mere suggestions or mirrors of the environment above. For capturing reflections, I may switch to using rich, thick oils and a palette knife, as I did in my piece At the Foot of the Fern Pit.
4. Use your palette knife sparingly
Employ a palette knife to blend and merge colors effectively while depicting water. The sharper edges from a palette knife create striking reflections, suggesting the movement of water in just a few carefully placed strokes. However, moderation is key, so ensure you apply the knife skillfully.
5. Verify your reflected lines
Finally, always double-check that reflections sit correctly beneath their respective objects. Using a ruler can aid precision! Turning your canvas upside down may also help identify any discrepancies.
A special thank you to Diane Griffiths for sharing her valuable insights on painting water! To view more of Diane’s coastal artwork, visit www.handonart.com.
For those looking to enhance their artistic skills, consider joining engaging workshops at Art Tutor Hanoi. They offer beginner-friendly classes in drawing and painting, catering to travelers, expats, and those seeking creativity.