plate no. 6002

Waves

Rashid Al Khalifa, 1982

oilContemporary Realismmarinaoceanwaveswaterhorizonabstractvertical panels

some experience helpful

This painting helps students practice blending techniques to create smooth gradients and develop an understanding of how to depict the movement of water. It also provides experience in creating a cohesive image across multiple panels.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare the canvas with a base coat of gesso.
step 02
Lightly sketch the horizon line and the general flow of the waves.
step 03
Divide the canvas into vertical panels using tape or a ruler and pencil.
step 04
Begin with the sky, blending yellow and white to create a gradient.
step 05
Mix various shades of blue and turquoise for the water, applying darker shades towards the bottom.
step 06
Use white paint to create the foam and highlights of the waves, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 07
Carefully remove the tape (if used) and add any necessary details to the edges of the panels.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely and apply a varnish for protection.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cerulean blue · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · payne's gray

Mix white with yellow ochre for the sky. Combine cerulean blue and ultramarine blue for the water, adding white for lighter tones and payne's gray for darker tones.

techniques