PAINTING SEASCAPES
by Armand Cabrera
The type of painting I create is about light falling
across the surface of an object. Therefore, I am reluctant
to separate painting into different subject matter. Whether
you are painting a nose or a tree, you are still applying
a small, flat brushstroke of color onto your painting
surface. If you get the shape right and the value and
color right, your painting will be correct.
Avoid focusing on “things” and concentrate
on “shapes”.
That said…it is worth noting that there are aspects
of certain subjects that bear paying closer attention.
Painting the sea from life can be challenging. A beach
or coastal setting can be windy, foggy, hot or cold. On
a sunny day, staring at the bright sea foam can be blinding,
making it difficult to judge values. The constant motion
of the water forces a more thoughtful approach to design
and composition.
When painting water, remember its three aspects;
motion, reflectivity and transparency.
Good design will allow one of these aspects to dominate
the idea with the other two playing subordinate roles.
When painting the sea, the motif also determines how you
paint the water. A high vantage point calls for less detail
because of the large amount of area portrayed.
In order to make something look larger, you must
paint less detail.
The ocean is no exception. Painting waves on a large
expanse of ocean diminishes its relative size. When including
coastal elements, such as cliffs or rocks, it is essential
to get the size relationships correct to maintain a sense
of scale.
|
Armand Cabrera
Baja Cove 30 x 40 Oil |
Water has form; it occupies a three dimensional space
and has weight. A cubic yard of sea water weighs close
to a ton (2000lbs). Even though water changes its shape,
you must still paint the light falling across its form.
You should also attempt to capture its volume. People
often paint seascapes as if the water has no weight or
volume. The waves seem to float and the sea foam looks
as light as clouds. To avoid this, mass the shapes together
in much the same way you would the leaves of a tree or
the grass in a field. To paint water accurately, you must
paint its weight. This is what conveys its power…and
results in a successful painting.
|
Armand Cabrera
The Thundering Sea - 20 x 24 Oil |
