How to Paint Ocean Waves in Watercolors

Mask off areas to preserve where the waves crest.

Have fun experimenting with different effects when painting ocean waves using watercolors. The basic rule for painting in watercolor is that white areas are left white. Mask off areas where the crests are formed to keep them white and sparkly. When applying color, lighter values go on first and then build each layer of color to the darkest. This is the opposite of acrylics and oil painting, where dark values go on first.

Things You'll Need

• Bar of white soap
• Watercolor paint
• Paint brushes
• Newspaper
• Sea Sponge
• Liquid Mask

Instructions

Soap

1. Dip brush into blue paint, and then move it around on a bar of soap. (See Reference 1)

2. Paint on paper using wavy patterns. The soap will create a wavy streak effect on the paper.

3. Repeat the process using another shade of blue and create more wavy patterns on the paper.

Newspaper

1. Mask the water color paper with newspaper randomly placing were the ocean waves will crest and create white foam. (See Reference 2)

2. Paint an ocean color over the newspaper with a wash such as blues or greens over the randomly placed piece of paper and let dry. Use a variety of washes by applying colors side by side and letting them bleed into each other. Let dry.

3. Remove the newspaper.

Sea Sponge

1. Using a sea sponge dipped in a liquid mask, sponge on paper where the waves will crest. This will keep the area white as paint is applied over the mask. Let dry. (See Reference 3)

2. Apply various shades of blue-green color to the paper by painting side to side and then dragging the paint brush down to create a flow-down effect.

3. Add dark blue paint under the mask to outline the foam and add shadows. Let dry and then wipe away the liquid mask.

References

• "The Usbourn Book of Art Skills"; Fiona Watt; 2002
• "The Artist's Bible"; 2004
• Watercolor Painting : How to Paint Ocean Waves