I've been working hard behind-the-scenes on my third book, Everyday Watercolor Oceans—releasing summer 2022—and it's been a blast painting all things underwater life, beach, ocean, etc. I mean, ocean subjects + watercolor is a match made in heaven.
So as a little sneak peek, here's a tutorial on how to paint an aerial, drone view of tropical ocean waters, sea foam, and waves crashing onto the pristine sands.
It looks challenging but it's actually quite simple and just requires some patience.
Also, you'll see a big plot twist around minute 10:00. I think it's a good lesson for artists of any level. If you don't like the way your piece is turning it out, don't be so quick to throw it away. See if you can get creative, change it up, and you may even surprise yourself with the outcome!
Music license acquired from Artlist
00:00 – Intro and fun news that you might not know…
01:12 – Getting into the ocean with some blue washes.
06:03 – Now for the sand color mixing and washing.
07:15 – Fun water drop effect!
08:14 – First layer dry, now white foam wave wash details.
10:31 – PLOT TWIST: Even I make mistakes. Let me encourage you..
11:16 – Making some changes and moving on!
13:05 – *Maybe the most fun close-up on the Jenna Rainey Channel to date.
14:28 – Blending the contrasting blues a bit smoother…
18:01 – Chatting and painting, favorite beach vacations…
19:44 – YOUR input is greatly desired here…
22:25 – Adding another set of white-wash waves.
25:06 – This is what happens when I paint for too long…
25:59 – Where the ocean painting is headed…
26:30 – The jingle continues and I need your help now more than ever…
27:49 – Jenna Rainey (formerly Fawcett) fun fact time.
28:26 – Decision making on sprinkles… Agree with John or mad at him?
29:40 – Thank YOU!
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Related videos
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How to Set Up a Watercolor Palette
Watercolor Techniques: Wet-on-Wet
10 Tips to Improve Your Watercolor
… and for even more tutorials, subscribe to my YouTube channel!
lakes are called shores not beaches! I’m from coastal NC but live in TX and I don’t consider the gulf the beach!
i tried doing this and following you but I was using a canvas panel and I could not get the colors or finish that you did. Can you advise what you were painting on to?
Cold-pressed watercolor paper!