Master the Art of Painting Waves

Outline the cresting wave with a grid and reference photo using light blue pastels; define foam and trough, then build the base underpainting with blues, greens, purples, and alcohol wash.

Master the underpainting wash by blending pigments with 91 percent isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush to create light-to-dark greens in the wave, followed by dry pastel.

Shade the background water with cobalt blue and block in the waves using a sponge applicator. Layer ultramarine blue between the waves and add a white cap on the crest.

Demonstrate painting a convincing white-water action on a tumbling wave by layering hard pastels from dark gray at the trough to light grays and white highlights, then add spray trails.

Develop the wave and reflections by shading the trough with dark green, blending transitions, adding dark green water reflections, and painting white water trails and reflections to enhance realism.

Create white water with bright spray and soft pastels to form foam along the shoreline. Use an Exacto knife to apply spray, press pigment with glassine, and refine shadows.

Finish the surf by adding delicate white foam trails and light violet, purple, and blue patches. Use shading and highlights to emphasize the main wave and refine the background.