A selection of local Hawkesbury River and Pittwater images to inspire your seascape / riverscape
Beginner Acrylic Seascape Workshop
This workshop is designed for beginners. The focus is on enjoying the process, learning
simple techniques, and creating a balanced, atmospheric seascape.
Colours Used:
- Sky: Grey, white, limited French blue or Coastal Turquoise
- Sea: Storm blue, French blue, white highlights
- Landforms: Brown and green, yellow ochre
- Details: White (yachts and birds)
Composition Tip – Rule of Thirds:
Imagine your canvas divided into three equal sections across and down. Place the horizon
line slightly above or below the centre. Position boats or headlands off-centre to create a
more interesting painting.
Step-by-Step Painting Guide:
1. Prepare your surface: Your base paint colour is already dry. Relax and enjoy the process.
2. Paint the sky: Use grey and white with a small amount of French blue. Keep the paint
loose.
3. Paint the sea: Use storm blue and French blue. Brush strokes should move sideways.
4. Add waves: Use lighter colours and a little white to suggest wave movement.
5. Add clouds: Dab in soft white and grey clouds. Avoid overworking.
6. Add landforms: Paint simple shapes using brown and green.
7. Add details: Paint one or two small white yachts and a few birds in the sky.
8. Final touches: Add highlights where the light catches waves and boats.
9. Sign your name: Be proud of your work.
10. Dry and protect: Allow to dry fully, then apply a matt varnish.
Helpful reminder: There is no right or wrong result. Keep it simple, step back often, and
enjoy painting.
This workshop is designed for beginners. The focus is on enjoying the process, learning
simple techniques, and creating a balanced, atmospheric seascape.
Colours Used:
- Sky: Grey, white, limited French blue or Coastal Turquoise
- Sea: Storm blue, French blue, white highlights
- Landforms: Brown and green, yellow ochre
- Details: White (yachts and birds)
Composition Tip – Rule of Thirds:
Imagine your canvas divided into three equal sections across and down. Place the horizon
line slightly above or below the centre. Position boats or headlands off-centre to create a
more interesting painting.
Step-by-Step Painting Guide:
1. Prepare your surface: Your base paint colour is already dry. Relax and enjoy the process.
2. Paint the sky: Use grey and white with a small amount of French blue. Keep the paint
loose.
3. Paint the sea: Use storm blue and French blue. Brush strokes should move sideways.
4. Add waves: Use lighter colours and a little white to suggest wave movement.
5. Add clouds: Dab in soft white and grey clouds. Avoid overworking.
6. Add landforms: Paint simple shapes using brown and green.
7. Add details: Paint one or two small white yachts and a few birds in the sky.
8. Final touches: Add highlights where the light catches waves and boats.
9. Sign your name: Be proud of your work.
10. Dry and protect: Allow to dry fully, then apply a matt varnish.
Helpful reminder: There is no right or wrong result. Keep it simple, step back often, and
enjoy painting.