Discover how to paint a surfboard wall art” featuring three surfboards, a sailboat, and a sandy beach shore. This tutorial covers techniques for painting a beach scene, including simple waves. For more detailed wave techniques, check out my “Beach Day” painting tutorial. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a beautiful beach scene to display proudly. You can customize the designs and colors of the surfboards! Personalizing the surfboards allows you to add your own unique touch to the painting, making it a one-of-a-kind piece. Enjoy and happy painting!
Materials
Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth painting process:
- Acrylic Paint: Acrylics are versatile and dry quickly, perfect for layering and detailed work.
- Paint Brushes: A variety of brushes will help you achieve different textures and details.
- 11 x 14 Canvas: This size is ideal for beginners and provides ample space for your beach scene.
- Paint Palette: Use a palette for mixing colors.
- Water Cup: Keep a cup of water handy for rinsing your brushes.
- Painters Tape (optional): Useful for creating straight lines.
- Pencil: For sketching outlines.
- Ruler: To measure and create accurate lines.
- White Chalk (optional): Easy to erase and perfect for sketching on the canvas.
Colors
The color palette for this painting includes a mix of vibrant and earthy tones:
- Titanium White
- Mars Black
- Alizarin Crimson Hue Permanent
- Primary Yellow
- Hooker’s Green Hue Permanent
- Light Blue Violet
- Turquoise Blue
- Burnt Sienna
- Naples Yellow
- Deep Violet
Brushes
Having the right brushes can make a big difference in your painting experience:
- 3/4″ flat wash: Great for broad strokes and background work.
- #12 Bright brush: Perfect for medium-sized areas and blending.
- #4 Round brush: Ideal for fine details.
- 3/8″ angle brush: Excellent for precise lines and angles.
Color Palette
A wide range of colors is used in this painting. Feel free to customize the surfboard colors to suit your style. Liquitex BASICS acrylics are recommended for this tutorial, but if using a different brand, you can substitute similar colors.
Directions At A Glance
1. Paint Sky
Position your canvas horizontally and measure 3″ from the top edge. Apply painter’s tape to mark the horizon. Use a 3/4″ flat wash brush to paint the sky with light blue-violet and titanium white, blending from dark to light. Creating a gradient sky adds depth to your painting.
2. Paint Water
Use turquoise mixed with titanium white and light blue violet. Paint the water, blending lighter near the horizon and darker in the middle. Measure 2″ down from the horizon for the water’s edge. This technique gives the illusion of distance in your seascape.
3. Paint Sand
Mix burnt sienna with titanium white for a light brown sand color. Paint wavy strokes with the 3/4″ flat brush, blending from lighter near the water to darker further back. Add a darker brown mix for the wet sand near the water’s edge. This adds texture and realism to your beach.
4. Paint Waves
Use a #12 bright brush and titanium white to paint wavy lines and texture along the shoreline. The waves bring movement and life to your beach scene.
5. Paint Bamboo Fence
Measure and draw a rectangle for the fence. Use Mars black and burnt sienna with the 3/4″ flat brush to paint vertical strokes, creating a faux wood look. Add Naples yellow for highlights and texture. The fence adds an element of interest and detail to your painting.
6. Paint Sailboat
Use a #4 round brush with titanium white for the sails and Mars black for the boat. Add reflections in the water with loose strokes. The sailboat introduces a focal point and enhances the beach atmosphere.
7. Draw & Prime Surfboards
Use white chalk to draw three surfboards. Paint them white with a #12 bright brush to ensure brightness before adding colors. Priming the surfboards helps the colors stand out and look vibrant.
8. Paint Palm Trees & Grass
Use a 3/8″ angle brush with a dark green mix for the palm trees. Paint grass with varied colors using the angle brush. Palm trees and grass add lushness and a tropical feel to your painting.
9. Paint Color on Surfboards
Paint each surfboard a solid color (deep violet, primary yellow, alizarin crimson hue). Add white highlights for a shiny look. The colorful surfboards make the painting lively and fun.
10. Paint Sun
Use primary yellow to paint a small circle in the upper left corner of the sky area. Add a glow with your finger. Add white dots in the water for sparkling effects. The sun brightens up the scene and adds a warm touch.
11. Paint Designs on Surfboards
Use a #4 round brush to paint the designs on the surfboards. Customize these designs or replicate the examples given. The designs add personality and character to the surfboards.
12. Paint Sand Under Boards
Use the round brush with burnt sienna and white to paint sand that overlaps the surfboard bottoms. This anchors the surfboards and makes them look like they are resting on the beach.
13. Final Touchups to the Fence
Add a black horizontal line along the top and bottom of the bamboo fence with the tip of the #12 bright brush. These final touchups enhance the realism and completeness of the painting.
Conclusion
By following this step-by-step tutorial of how to coastal wall art decor, you will create a beautiful and personalized “Surfer Beach” painting. The combination of vibrant colors, detailed techniques, and customizable elements allows you to express your creativity and produce a stunning beach scene. Display your finished artwork proudly, knowing you’ve mastered new painting skills and created something uniquely yours. Happy painting!