In the extreme foreground, a dark wave slants diagonally across the bottom of the composition. This section is mixed with mostly Payne’s Gray with a hint of Prussian Blue.
How to Paint an Ocean Waves Canvas
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Oh, how I love this ocean waves canvas painting! It is simple enough for a child or novice to make and it’s also quite therapeutic.
This painting idea came to me several years ago when I was working on some larger canvases. As I painted, I would swipe the extra paint off of my brush onto a smaller canvas (mostly because I hated wasting the paint!) After a while, I realized this smaller canvas looked like it was an ocean scene, with rollicking waves to boot, and ever since, I’ve wanted to create a series of these paintings, but this time on purpose.
Honestly, you don’t have to have any fancy painting skills for this one, and I purchased all of my acrylics and canvases at Target. Meaning, this is not a project where you will need premium supplies. But the cuteness factor is still there, promise!
You will need:
One square white canvas
Assorted acrylic paint
Paint pens in assorted colors
Paint brush
(You’ll also need water in a cup to rinse your brush in between colors.)
Note: You’ll definitely need one midnight blue or “Oxford Blue” for the background sky/waves, but the rest of the colors are up to your own taste.
How to:
First, you’ll need to paint the entire canvas with your dark blue acrylic. Make sure that you paint the sides of the canvas as well. (If you want the sides to be white, you can tape them off with painter’s tape.) Let the paint completely dry.
For the waves portion, begin painting on the lower third of the canvas. If you want a more wave-centric painting, then paint 2/3s of the canvas. Just try to not divide your canvas perfectly in the center. Dividing it into thirds ends up making the final painting look pleasing to the eye.
Once the background layer is dry, start with a new color and make upside down v patterns, curves, and waves. Space these across the bottom third of the canvas. Let dry. (You can also use a hair dryer to speed up this process.) Continue onto to the next color, overlapping and eventually filling up the entire bottom part of the canvas.
You will likely still see a bit of the dark blue peeping out from the background—you don’t have to completely cover the bottom portion of the canvas. That said, I layer paint on until I feel I have a nice amount of color and depth.
Once the paint is completely dry, add final touches, a quote or a word with paint pens. You can use paint pens to add tiny lines and details such as swirls through the waves—really, whatever you like!
As I mentioned in the introduction, this craft is simple enough for children to make, though it will probably work best for elementary age children if you want them to completely cover the canvas for the background. Of course, you can do that part, and have them make the wave marks with a paint brush or even their fingers. Using a hair dryer between colors would be ideal so they wouldn’t have to wait for the paint to dry. Alternatively, you could have them use paint pens for the entire project, though the paint would not have the depth and texture that acrylic gives.
I hope this project is a fun and easy one for your and your family! I cannot wait to send mine off to new homes this Christmas.
10+ Amazing Acrylic Sea Painting Ideas for Beginners
Helloo! Today I have great acrylic art ideas for beginners. All of us love sun and water. I know you want to inspire from these beautiful sea paintings. So I complied best sea painting ideas and tips for you. I hope you like these colorful paintings and get inspire! You can also visit for more acrylic painting ideas. 50+ Fantastic Acrylic Painting Ideas For Beginners Landscape & Nature
Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty of the sea with amazing acrylic sea painting ideas for beginners. Whether you’re drawn to tranquil beach scenes, crashing waves, or vibrant marine life, the possibilities are endless when it comes to capturing the essence of the ocean on canvas. Acrylic paint’s versatility and quick-drying properties make it an ideal medium for exploring the textures, colors, and movement of the sea. From creating realistic seascapes to experimenting with abstract interpretations, beginners can dive into the world of acrylic sea painting and unleash their creativity.
See also Want to Make Your Own Acrylic Paint at Home? A Guide for Beginners
Easy acrylic sea painting ideas
To get started, gather your art supplies and select a reference photo or sketch to guide your composition. Experiment with different brushstrokes and techniques to recreate the shimmering surface of the water, the interplay of light and shadow, and the intricate details of seashells and coral. Don’t be afraid to mix and layer colors to achieve the depth and richness of the sea. Explore various painting techniques, such as wet-on-wet blending, dry brushing, and glazing, to bring your seascape to life.
As a beginner, it’s important to practice observation and study the unique characteristics of the sea. Observe the way light reflects off the water, the subtle variations in color, and the movement of waves. Pay attention to the textures and patterns found in seashells, rocks, and other elements of the shoreline. By honing your observation skills, you’ll be able to capture the intricate details that make your acrylic sea painting truly remarkable.
See also 10 Cool Acrylic Painting Ideas That You Should Try in 2023
To enhance your acrylic sea paintings, don’t shy away from incorporating other elements into your artwork. Consider adding elements like a lone sailboat on the horizon, seagulls soaring through the sky, or a picturesque lighthouse standing tall against the crashing waves. These details can add depth, narrative, and visual interest to your paintings, making them even more captivating.
Acrylic Sea Painting Tips
In addition to exploring different subjects, don’t be afraid to experiment with different painting techniques and styles. Acrylic paints offer a wide range of possibilities, from bold and vibrant brushstrokes to delicate washes and glazes. Play with texture by using palette knives or sponges to create interesting effects that mimic the movement and texture of the sea. Mix colors to create your own unique palette and explore different color harmonies that evoke the mood and atmosphere you want to convey.
Remember, the key to creating amazing acrylic sea paintings as a beginner is to practice regularly and embrace the joy of the process. Don’t be discouraged by imperfections or mistakes; they are part of the learning experience. Enjoy the freedom that acrylic paints offer, as they allow you to layer, blend, and make adjustments as you go. Be open to learning from other artists, studying their techniques, and seeking inspiration from the vast array of sea-themed artworks available.
See also 40+ Simple Acrylic Painting Ideas To Try
So, grab your brushes, set up your easel, and let the beauty of the sea inspire your acrylic paintings. Allow yourself to explore, experiment, and grow as an artist. With each stroke of your brush, you’ll be bringing the captivating allure of the ocean to life on your canvas. Embrace the journey and enjoy the fulfillment that comes with creating stunning acrylic sea paintings as a beginner.
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Painting The Sea Foam
The sea foam is painted using both a small flat and round brush. Mostly horizontal and slightly diagonal strokes are pulled across the form of the wave. A thinned mixture of blue-green is added first before being intensified with additional layers of progressively thicker paint. Within the curve of the wave, the values are slightly darker, but just outside where we run into some light, the values become lighter.
Just as we did with the sea spray, we’ll add a touch of Cadmium Yellow and go over a few areas to add a bit of warmth and contrast.
Painting The Wave In The Foreground
The wave found in the extreme foreground is much darker and bluer, but this doesn’t change how we approach developing the sea foam here. We’ll still apply a thinned application of Titanium White, but with a larger flat brush initially. A smaller round brush is used for the smaller strips of sea foam in between.
Over the top of our thinner applications, we’ll apply opaque applications of Titanium White. Then, like we did with the sea spray and the bits of sea foam in the middle ground, we’ll add a touch of Cadmium Yellow to the mix to make the color a slight bit warmer and make it contrast with the cooler blues.
Finishing Things Up
We’ll add a section of sea spray right along the upper edge of the wave that is closest to the viewer. Again, we’ll start with a thinned application and then become more opaque to create a range of value and create the illusion of form.
We’ll again add a touch of Cadmium Yellow to outer edges of the sea spray. To add a bit more contrast, we’ll darken the wave just behind the sea spray.
We’ve now patiently worked our way down the picture plane and our painting of waves with acrylics is complete. We’ve been patient, applied brushstrokes in a manner that makes sense with the movement of the water, and matched values as closely as possible. But at the same time, we’ve created a painting that isn’t a duplicate of the photo, but instead a work of art that is unique and interesting on its own.
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