Painting movement, regardless of subject, comes with the confidence of knowledge. The ability to apply loose, throwaway strokes that add credibility and vivacity to a scene requires a balance of restraint and abandon. The more informed your wild, intuitive brushstrokes, the more you will express the sound, atmosphere and general sense of life in the air. Having photographed, sketched and stared at the sea as much as I can, I can say I’ve learned one thing – there is no substitute for time spent observing and experiencing it.
The rhythm of the sea can appear chaotic. Ever-changing it may be, but there are rules and repeating patterns.
Try to discern exactly what you are looking at and how each area is lit. In clear waves, the crests will be backlit and semi-transparent, depending on water clarity. The troughs will be darker, showing through hints of the colours beneath. The calm sea in between will reflect the colours of the sky. In identifying the repeating tones of these areas, decoding that mass of movement gets easier and you can throw a bit more paint around! Every colour you see has a meaning, and understanding it gives you freedom.