I suppose most of us like a stroll on a beach. There is something magical about the noise of the waves and the smell of the sea. Now that I live on the coast I can appreciate the thrill of it anytime. I went with Merice this morning (and Bonnie of course!) and we had the beach to ourselves as we strolled from Sewerby to Bridlington. I remember the first time I started to study the beach with an eye to painting the scene. I was trying to describe how it looked to an artist friend - Tony Hogan - “It was like seeing diamonds sparkling in the sea” I said. I've never forgotten his response. He simply stated - “Well paint it then!” The challenge was laid down and had to accepted. So how do you paint the sea? It is quite a challenge especially for a watercolour artist. Obviously the scene changes constantly and the ‘diamonds’ sparkle for an instant and then disappear. I wanted a precise painting of these ‘diamonds’ so decided I would have to use a photograph rather than try from life. We had walked on the beach just after a storm and Merice just happened (!) to have her camera with her. She captured the perfect shot looking out to sea straight into the light. This was the one. I very carefully masked all the areas that I wanted to keep lighter such as the horizon line and the dazzle on the sea. There was also the breaking waves and front edge of the incoming tide as well as a few streaks on the beach itself. With these areas protected I could paint very loose washes from the sky down to the edge of the sand. I used just four colours so I was guaranteed harmony in the painting at least! Once dry I removed some of the masking fluid and repeated the washes again, this time letting the colour run onto the beach. While it was still wet I painted the beach up to the wet sea and let the colours mingle. I used a dry brush to create textures on the beach. Everything was designed to lead you through the beach and into the light and beyond. When it was completely dry (and I mean completely dry) I removed the last of the masking fluid. Suddenly before my eyes were the ‘diamonds’ sparkling in the sea. I tidied it up a bit by softening some of the hard edges and added the gulls to give me “After the Storm” I hope I answered the challenge but what do you think? Glenn
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