For years I wondered how do you capture the ocean with paint? I decided to figure it out and painted the ocean over and over (and over). I learned and improved with each painting. Years later I still enjoy painting the ocean.

Here are my top tips for painting waves:
Study your reference photo.
To accurately paint or draw any subject you have to study that subject to really see the details – colors, lights and darks, shapes, composition, etc.
Identify the main colors and where the colors change.
- Often the distant ocean is a darker blue. As the water gets closer it gets lighter and greener.
- Near the breaking waves, where the sand is being churned up, the water is greener.
- The shallow water close to the shore is brown.
Horizontal Strokes
After painting your base colors use a flat brush to add horizontal lines. Horizontal strokes in your painting make things look flatter. You can add dark thin horizontal strokes on top of the distant ocean color (waves in the distance). Add thicker strokes for cresting waves near the break area (where the waves are breaking).

Useย White Gouacheย
Use White Gouache to add waves in the distance, crashing waves, foam etc.ย
Painting Waves in the distance
- Simply use a flat brush to add distant breaking waves
Painting Crashing waves
- Use gouache to create the crashing waves. Your brush strokes should mimic the motion of the wave.
- Add grey shadows within the breaking wave to add depth.
- Use a dry brush or blot with a tissue to create spray coming off the wave
Painting foam
- Paint the water near the shore brown and use white gouache to add the foam on top of it.
- A dark brown line at the edge of the foam makes it look thicker and more realistic. You can soften the line with a damp brush.

Want to learn more?
I share my step by step process for painting seascapes in watercolor. Choose the format that works best for you:
- Printable tutorial
- Video lesson
- Live Zoom lessons – coming soon! Check here for updates.
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January 8, 2017 at 5:35 pm
Great tips. Thanks for sharing, Eileen!
January 8, 2017 at 8:31 pm
You are welcome Carol ๐
January 8, 2017 at 6:50 pm
Waves are always tricky. Good practical tips!
January 8, 2017 at 8:31 pm
Thanks Brett
January 9, 2017 at 12:45 pm
Thanks for the tips and links. Look forward to checking out!!
January 9, 2017 at 6:30 pm
You are welcome ๐
January 9, 2017 at 1:24 pm
Thanks for sharing your learnings Eileen ๐๐ผ
January 9, 2017 at 6:30 pm
You are welcome Snehal ๐
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February 23, 2017 at 2:35 am
Those look wonderful!
February 23, 2017 at 8:07 am
Thank you so much!
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June 8, 2017 at 2:16 am
Thank you for visiting!
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July 26, 2017 at 11:39 pm
Thanks. It motivates me to start painting again
July 27, 2017 at 8:12 am
That’s great! Let me know how it goes ๐
September 29, 2017 at 4:42 am
I’m inspired to paint again, thanks to you!
September 29, 2017 at 11:02 pm
That is wonderful to hear! I would love to see what you create!
September 29, 2017 at 4:42 am
I’m inspired to paint again, thanks to you!
May 21, 2019 at 11:36 pm
Thanks for your help I really enjoyed your tutorial!
May 22, 2019 at 2:24 pm
Thanks so much Emma! Thatโs so great to hear ๐
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