✦ This is Part 2 of the Vibrant Sea Landscapes series. In Part 1 I shared the story behind this painting — the inspiration, the color palette, and the Charleston connection. Here you’ll find the full step-by-step workshop. Grab your paints!

For my artist colleagues. Workshops. Holidays spirit for creative community. Paint your world.

I documented the main stages of the painting—from sketching to layering colors. Hope you appreciate seeing the evolution of a piece. I have a simple algorithm of 10 steps. Let’s warm up first:) I feel like a child, surrounded by bright colors in my studio and at the beach:)

Step 1. Color palette

I am using a limited palette, a mixture of cobalt, ultramarine, and orange.

I’m drawing inspiration from the colors of berries and fruits. Expect vibrant hues that bring these sea landscapes to life. Let’s mix it up! Would love to hear your thoughts:)

Interestingly, in English, “orange” refers to both a fruit and a color, while other languages have separate words for each. I refer to this color as the fruit orange. “Orange sunset” sounds tasty, doesn’t it? :)

Step 2. Draft of birds

Primarily I was drawing seagulls in motion, soaring through the sky to convey a sense of freedom and movement. And occasionally I featured a hawk known as the Osprey, or sea hawk, which is known for catching fish. Never heard about this bird before… Painting is relaxing fun, always something new to learn:) Love to hear your funny stories during the painting process!

Step 3. Draft of boats

So on my photo reference the yacht is tranquil and a little bit boring. Not a problem, I added wind to my painting and voila— the yacht is moving towards distant shores.

Where is my yacht headed, and who is aboard?

Step 4. Soundtrack Inspiration

How about playing music while painting? Do you like it? I love it.

It captures the essence of sea and any imaginary story’s sounds, for this art is Charleston music! :) This rhythm can influence your brushwork and composition.

Similarly, there are some emotions linked with both the sea and the dance. How does the sight of the waves in motion resonate with you? Does it evoke joy or a sense of freedom? Maybe nostalgia?

Likewise, both are forms of expression that echo life’s rhythms. This serves as a metaphor. It merges the fluidity of sea waves with the rhythm of dance in the jazz age. Paint it like a lively Charleston—dynamic, energetic, and full of life!:)

Just listen to any Charleston music and your brush will do various brush techniques—including swirling, dabbing, and stippling—enhanced the illusion of movement in the wave paintings :)

At the end of the post, I will share my favorite list of Charleston compositions that you can find on YouTube.

Step 5. Color of yacht

Then adding color to the yacht. I chose vibrant bright orange, making it stand out against the sunset backdrop. The shadows of the yacht were painted in a mixture of ultramarine and orange.

Step 6. The 1st layer of sea, foam and waves

The foam shadow was painted with hints of a mixture of all three colors—cobalt, ultramarine, and orange—to capture the sunlight. I also left some white paper on top of the foam for contrast. Love catching the essence of the sea through art.

Step 8. The 2nd layer for sky, sea, foams and reflections

I used a gradient of warm hues for the sunset. The gradient starts with orange and lighter tones. I added blues as I moved upwards toward the sky.

For the sea, I incorporated a rich palette of blues, mixing ultramarine and cobalt to show the sea colors.

Step 9. Details for sea, yacht and birds

The main idea was to show the movement of the water. I employed swirling brush strokes to capture the water’s restless energy. The reflections in the water depict how the colors of the sunset and the yacht are mirrored beneath the waves.

Waves roll and splash joyfully. To add a bright spot, I painted an orange yacht sailing away in the strong wind.

I also added some color for seagulls circling above, their bodies glowing orange against the cloudy sky.

Step 10. Cool down

Adding some details for birds, decide what the name will be for the artwork and put the signature. Voila:)

I am capturing the essence of the sea upon my watercolor paper. Its waves are crashing gracefully. Meanwhile, an orange yacht sails onward toward the horizon of distant lands. What tale does this scene whisper?

It depicts an enchanting couple aboard the yacht. They are lost in a lively dance of the Charleston. Their laughter mingles with the sound of the waves. Who can truly say? This is my story. Can you tell me your story?:)

Every wave tells a story. Catch yours on paper! Keep an eye out for updates, sneak peeks, and finished pieces as we celebrate summer through sea landscapes.

I invite you to join me on this creative adventure. Together, let us create a series that celebrates the beauty of the sea. Let’s foster connection. We can inspire others to cherish the natural world around us. We’ll blend art and relaxation. Grab your paints; we’re about to make waves!

Thank you for reading the post. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. These actions will bring you more captivating content about the history of art, nature and architecture. 

Below is Soundtrack Inspiration. The list of compositions shows how the rhythm of the waves mimics the upbeat tempo of the Charleston music. Both evoke a sense of joy and liberation.

1. “Let’s twist again”-Chubby Checker California Jubilee

2. “Sway Dancing”-Rita Hayworth

3. “Hit the Road Jack”- Ray Charles

4. “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” – Duke Ellington  

5. “Take the ‘A’ Train” – Duke Ellington  

6. “Cheek to Cheek” – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong 

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