Infinite Blues

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  Step 1

  For this lesson, we’ll be working on multiple mini canvases at the
  same time; I worked on four at once. Doing this offers a chance to
  experiment with more shades of blue. Painting multiple canvases
  helps establish a cohesive series, even if different color palettes are
  used. I also find that while working on several canvases, one idea
  leads to another, which I can try instantly on another piece.

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  Step 2

  Begin each painting with a different acrylic paint ground. A ground
  is a first layer of color on a canvas that influences the overall tone
  of the painting. I usually like to use warm colors such as pink, yellow,
  orange, or red mixed with white to create contrast with the blue
  added later. To give the surface a painterly look, don’t completely
  blend all the paint, but allow for variation in the marks. Allow to dry.

  Take It to the Edge
  Don’t forget to paint the edges of the canvases; this makes the pieces look complete and ready to present.

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  Step 3

  Create the sand for the seascape. I used my favorite combination of paint colors: Titan buff, Van Dyke brown, and warm gray. To achieve
  the striations in the paint that mimic sand, dip a paintbrush in two or more colors of paint and brush them onto the canvas. Paint about
  one-quarter of the way up from the bottom, and do not blend the colors completely.

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  Step 4

  For the sea and sky, we will mostly use one variation of blue, plus white. Heavy-body white paint will allow you to create clouds with a bit of texture.

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  Step 5

  To create the ocean, keep two things in mind:
  Water is usually darker at the horizon, and the
  horizon line is always straight. Select a darker blue,
  such as phthalo or Prussian blue, and create a
  straight line for the water about one-third of the
  way up on the canvas. While the blue paint is still
  wet, mix a dab of white into the blue and slightly
  cover the sand, allowing it to peek out from the
  surf. Don’t forget to paint the edges of the canvas.
  Allow to dry.

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  Step 6

  Use the blue already on your brush to create the sky. Use the marks and brushstrokes of the bright ground color to inspire your next
  brushstrokes.

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  Step 7

  Mix in more white with the blue, and remember that the sky is usually much lighter at the horizon. Go with the flow, but don’t overbrush and lose the marks you’ve created. The unblended marks represent the clouds. Also, be mindful of not covering up the entire ground color; this will give your painting a sunset glow.

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  Step 8

  At this stage, I like to allow my intuition to take over while continuing to paint the sky. I let the previous layers tell me where to put the next marks. Does a brushstroke look like a cloud or a windswept sky? Make sure you let the marks be. Don’t overthink this step or you may overblend the sky and cover up the bright pops
  of yellow or pink underneath.

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  Step 9

  Creating waves and ocean breaks tends to use very similar
  methods as painting the clouds. Using a dry brush and a
  little white paint, drag the brush across the edge of the water
  where it hits the sand. Allow the brush to skip on the surface and make irregular marks. An abstract seascape should look believable but not completely realistic, so be mindful of the horizon line, shading, shadows, and color details.

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  Step 10

  Lighten Up

  Since acrylic paint dries darker, make sure to add enough white to your seascape so it doesn’t look like a nightscape. Always go several shades lighter than you think you need to paint a sky.

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  Step 11

  Carefully match up the sides of the canvas with the top, and
  finish up the details. At this phase, I focus on cloud building,
  layering little dabs of heavy-body white paint onto the peaks of the clouds to give them more dimension. Remember: You’re painting
  clouds, not little puffy sheep!

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  Step 12

  There are a million different variations of clouds and
  skies. Study them, take pictures, practice making mini seascapes
  using various background colors and shades of blue, and you will
  soon be an expert sea and cloud painter. These are abstract and
  intuitive, so have fun!

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  Step 13

  Some of My Favorite Shades of Blue
  Ultramarine
  Phthalo
  Prussian
  Anthraquinone
  Payne’s gray
  Turquoise
  Cerulean
  Manganese
  Primary cyan
  Cobalt
  Ultramarine light
  Teal

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