plate no. 2085

Sea Grasses and Blue Sea

Milton Avery, 1958

oil, canvasExpressionismmarinaseawatergrassesskylandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. It also provides an opportunity to experiment with visible brushstrokes to add texture and visual interest.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes: the horizon line, the diagonal line separating the sea grasses from the water, and the general placement of the dark shapes.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, using broad, horizontal brushstrokes.
step 03
Fill in the sea grasses area with a light blue-green, using diagonal brushstrokes that follow the slope.
step 04
Mix a medium blue and apply it to the water area, varying the pressure to create subtle tonal changes.
step 05
Mix a darker blue and add it to the water, creating depth and variation.
step 06
Paint the dark shapes in the water with a dark blue/black mixture, leaving some gaps to reveal the underlying blue.
step 07
Add small details and highlights to the sea grasses and water to enhance the texture and depth.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the colors, shapes, and brushstrokes.