OkArty

After sharing our simple flower and sunset painting tutorials, we were thrilled to see so many of you diving into the world of oil painting with enthusiasm. Among the most requested topics from readers was this: How do I paint a beach in oil, simply and beautifully?

Great question — and even better news: painting a beach scene is both relaxing and rewarding, even for beginners. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to create a beautiful beach oil painting using easy techniques, smart color choices, and simple composition tips.

Let’s bring the beach to your canvas!

🖼️ Step 1: Planning the Composition

Good painting starts with good composition. For a beach scene, keep it simple:

• Divide your canvas into three parts: sky (top), ocean (middle), and sand (bottom).
• Use a pencil or thin brush to lightly sketch the horizon line — this will help anchor the entire painting.
• Optional elements: Add a palm tree, a beach umbrella, or footprints in the sand to make your scene more personal.

“The painter tries to master color, but has to serve it too.” – Paul Cézanne

🎨 Step 2: Choosing the Right Colors

Color is everything in a beach painting. You want warmth, light, and that calming ocean vibe.

Here’s a basic color palette to start with:

• Sky: Titanium White, Cerulean Blue, Ultramarine
• Ocean: Phthalo Blue, Viridian Green, White (with a touch of yellow for sparkle)
• Sand: Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, White
• Details: Burnt Umber (for tree trunks), Sap Green (for palm leaves), Alizarin Crimson (for umbrellas, swimsuits, etc.)

Tip: Mix a small amount of blue into the sand color near the shoreline to give it that “wet sand” effect.

🖌️ Step 3: Paint the Sky First

Always paint from the background to the foreground.

• Start at the top of the canvas and blend white into blue gradually as you go down. This creates a realistic gradient.
• Add subtle cloud shapes using a dry brush technique or a palette knife with thick white paint.
• Keep the sky soft and not too detailed — it’s just the background!

🌊 Step 4: Painting the Ocean

The ocean is fun and forgiving. You can keep it smooth or add texture with waves.

• Start with darker blue near the horizon, getting lighter as you move forward.
• Mix a little green into the blue for a more tropical look.
• To create gentle waves, use a fan brush or the edge of a palette knife.
• Highlight the tops of the waves with white — this gives the illusion of sunlight hitting the water.

🏖️ Step 5: Painting the Sand

For the beach, start with a mix of Yellow Ochre + White, and add a bit of Burnt Sienna for depth.

• Apply the base color smoothly across the bottom of the canvas.
• For texture, lightly dab a dry sponge or stiff brush to mimic the uneven grain of sand.
• Add small shadows to make the sand more dimensional — a touch of gray-blue works well.

🌴 Step 6: Add the Details

Now that your scene is blocked in, let’s add charm:

• Palm Trees: Use Burnt Umber for the trunk and fan out leaves with Sap Green using a flat brush.
• Footprints: Dab two small oval shapes with a tiny brush and add a shadow on one side.
• Umbrellas or Towels: Use bright, fun colors — this adds personality and a pop of contrast.

Don’t worry about being perfect — it’s the charm and flow of the painting that makes it yours.

✨ Final Touches and Drying

• Check for any harsh lines or unblended areas and smooth them gently with a soft brush.
• Let the painting dry slowly in a dust-free area — oil paintings can take several days to cure.

💡 Final Thoughts

Painting a beach with oil doesn’t have to be complicated. Start simple, focus on color transitions, and don’t be afraid to experiment. With a few strokes and the right mindset, you can bring a tranquil beach scene to life from the comfort of your studio.

If you try this tutorial, share your beach masterpiece with us on social media! 🎉
Tag us @OKarty and inspire other beginners like you.