Beach, Seascape Lagoon, and Dock Custom Oil Painting

Last summer, I was commissioned to paint a 16x20 oil on canvas of a beautiful beach and lagoon. The view extends from the beach to far out in the distance. Though I am certain that I took pictures while I was painting, today, they cannot be found!

But I can use this piece to show how the use of perspective creates the illusion of depth on a flat surface. Just read along to see (you can click images for a closer view):

Flower Girl Reflection - Custom Oil Painting of Two Girls at an Ocean Wedding

With Spring here and the flowers beginning to bloom, it's a lovely time to share a wedding painting I did for a client last year. The reference photo she sent of her two girls attending as flower girls, showed them on a grassy bluff overlooking a picturesque ocean scene.

I love painting ocean scenes especially with children, so it was a joy to paint this piece. Keep reading to watch the progress and see the final version:

Tropical Retreat, St. Bart's Island - View from the Balcony

 

Now that the background is painted in, it's time to paint the balcony.   I start with the railing and the wall on the left - love that pink door!

Tropical Retreat, St. Bart's Island - Coming ashore!

Now that the sky and water are basically painted, it's time to work on the distant shore. Normally I work from the top of the painting  to the bottom in a landscape and so that is what I'll do here.

 

Tropical Retreat, St. Bart's Island - painting the water

Today I did not have too much time to work on this piece as I was out on a consult with a client for part of the day. But at least there was time to paint the ocean.

You can see that the horizon is softened to almost blend with the clouds. This pushes the horizon line visually back to give the feeling of far distance.
The deep water past the coral reefs is a deep cool blue. As it comes toward shore, it becomes a lighter, turquoise blue.

Below is the full piece with the water done for now. Perhaps I will adjust the colors and values as needed once the landforms are painted.

Tomorrow, though I have to teach a class, there will be time to work on the distant landforms. Hope you can stop by to see the next part of this seascape oil painting demonstration - Coming Ashore!

Tropical Retreat, St. Bart's Island - painting demonstration

A tropical island is a wonderful place for two people to spend special time together. To keep that memory alive, what could be better than to have a painting done of the memory? Today, I've started a commission painting for a collector who will give it as a gift. Because it is a surprise for someone, I'm not going to reveal the island or who it is for!

I begin with four photos sent to me - the painting will be a panoramic view on a 10" x 30" canvas, so I've taped the photos together for reference:

Virgin Islands Seascape Oil Painting Demonstration - Tranquil Sea

Welcome to my studio at Zeh Original Art. Today we will have a demonstration of an oil seascape painting on panel.

Painting water is one of my favorite things, whether it is the surf crashing onto the shore or a quiet harbor on a lake. If you are fortunate enough to live near the ocean or a lake or close enough to visit, you know the relaxing qualities of listening to the sounds of waves. Even if you don't, a painting can bring you there.
In this piece, I've chosen to paint a peaceful scene just as the sun is beginning to set casting a soft, rosy glow on the clouds and ocean surface. Come see how this painting is developed: