|
The term “marine art” covers a considerable amount of
territory and is even subject to debate over what it actually means.
Most artists would agree, however, that, in order to qualify as marine
art, a painting must exhibit some form of water as its predominant feature.
But, for the sake of this article, we’ll keep our definition flexible
and shan’t quibble over semantics.
Let’s dive right into our subject by admitting that
water, simple though it may seem at first glance, is one of the most challenging
and difficult mediums to render accurately.
It rarely stands still long enough to afford detailed observations and
its color metamorphoses on a non-stop basis.
|
"Heading
Home" oil on canvas
by Robert K.
Roark
|
Nevertheless, for those who wish to become
accomplished marine artists, there is no better way to spend one’s time than
in direct observation of water in all its shapes and forms.
|
"Gathering Storm" oil on canvas by Robert K.
Roark
|
For example, many painters find waves on the ocean a
particularly hard subject to “capture” accurately. If you are fortunate enough to have access to an ocean of
some size, may I suggest that you spend as much time as possible on the
shoreline simply observing the action of the waves?
Note that the “nature” of the waves changes considerably
depending on the tide, wind and time of day.
On your seashore explores, it is quite helpful to
bring along your French easel, and execute a number of studies on canvas
board or paper of the ever-changing |
surface. And, don’t forget to make use of your camera as well.
The camera can “stop” the action or movement of a wave
and allow you to study it in some detail at your leisure.
It is very important that artists have a fundamental
understanding of what they are painting. In
this case, understanding how a wave is structured, and how this structure
changes as a wave rolls along, is the first step to creating a fine and precise
work of art.
In addition to direct observation, there are many quality
“how-to” books and videos available to today’s artists.
Search your local library and bookstore (and don’t forget to check out
online sources as well) for reference materials that may be of use to you.
There may also be classes or workshops in your area that
offer instruction in marine painting. Working
directly with an experienced artist can be an invaluable learning tool,
especially if you can work “on location”.
Also, don’t forget to take advantage of the endless
reproductions of great marine art that are available in print, book and magazine
form. Studying how past (and
present) artists have met the challenges can yield priceless information which
you can use in your own work.
Creating a succès d’estime in the field of marine art
requires no special materials or “tools of the trade”.
The art of marine painting lends itself well to virtually any “style”
or technique the artist may wish to employ.
From giant-sized canvases on which the artist may “attack” the
subject, to exquisite miniatures in which each line is lovingly rendered, the
artist may choose the approach which best suites his or her needs.
Likewise, there is no need to employ a special palette for
marine art. However, because of the
countless shades and hues of water, the artist has the opportunity to experiment
and “play” with colors that might not otherwise ever appear on the palette.
Some of my personal favorite colors for use in marine painting are:
indigo, Payne’s grey, King’s blue, greenish-umber, and sap green.
With a bit of trial-and-error you, too, will find the colors that will
become your favorites.
Remember that, as in all other subject matter, there is no
particular “mystery” or “secret” to successful marine painting.
It is simply a matter of close and careful observation, patience and,
most of all, practice, practice, practice!
Good luck! |
ART
FACTS
LINKS
