Watercolor Seascape
Living close to the sea is a blessing. One thing I enjoy painting most of all is the ocean, I never tire of a watercolor seascape.
The ocean brings so much to my life – a calmness, a grounding, a joy. It was our dream to raise a family here in Scituate Harbor. I honestly don’t think my boys realize how lucky they are to have the ocean within walking distance of our home! I love visiting the shore. The shimmering water, the sound of the tide, the mist on the sea. We walk with our dogs every morning and each day the ocean is different.
I painted this heart shaped watercolor seascape this week and many of you said you’d like a tutorial on how to create one of your own!
Jump to Tutorial
Works of the Heart
I actually painted the above heart to be featured in Works of the HeART, a show opening at Native this Friday, February 4th. My friend Marie, owner of Native, has asked artists to create a work of art that could fit on a 10×10 canvas. The work was to be a representation, reflection, or interpretation of the word or symbol “heart”. The show will be on display through February 14th and the works are for sale supporting each individual artist. I’m really looking forward to seeing all the hearts and also the ones Marie has found on her travels. Luke and I are going to opening night. If you’re local it will coincide with First Friday Night in the Harbor from 5-9pm.
What is the history of the heart shape?
Over the last few years, we’ve seen many hearts here on the South Shore, and across the world, in support of health care workers, first responders, and just a symbol of hope during a pandemic.
The heart symbol is said to have been around since 5th or 6th century BC, representing a heart shaped fruit of the plant silphium. Many ancient civilizations have used the heart shape in jewelry.
In the 14th century Francesco da Barberino began incorporating hearts into his paintings. The Victorians welcomed the heart with open arms in ornate Valentine’s cards. Then in 1977 “I ❤︎ NY” became famous!
I decided to paint watercolor heart seascapes because I love the ocean.
Why You’ll Love Painting Heart Shaped Watercolor Seascapes
- It’s fun and can be used for Valentine’s Day – make your own cards or affix your painted heart to a box of chocolates.
- Painting hearts is relaxing.
- This is a great beginner project and you don’t need many supplies.
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What You Need to Make Watercolor Seascapes
- Watercolor Paper (I used this paper)
- Watercolor Paints (I used Payne’s Gray, Indigo, Cobalt Blue, Burnt Sienna, Raw Sienna)
- Water
- Brushes (size 4, 6, and squirrel mop)
- Heart Shape
- Pencil
- Water
- hair dryer to speed up drying process (optional)
Heart Shaped Watercolor Seascape Video Tutorial
I find it helpful to watch videos before painting. If you do as well, I created a quick video tutorial for you of the process.
Let’s Paint Some Watercolor Hearts!
A printable card with materials and steps is located at the bottom of this post for your reference.
- Cut out heart shape. I found my heart shape online and downloaded it.
- Lightly trace the heart on your watercolor paper. Take a kneaded eraser and tap on the lines to make them lighter.
- Starting with the sky lightly wet the paper. Create clouds using a “wet on wet” technique. I used a watery mixture of blue and gray to create the subtle clouds.
- Then I moved into creating the rocks using Burnt Sienna, Raw Sienna, and Paynes Gray paints.
- Wait until the rocks are mostly dry before moving onto the water.
- I finished off the painting by bringing the waves into a heart shape at the bottom.
- To create crests or crashing of waves you can add gouache or acrylic white paint, but I wanted my seascape to be more calm.
* The squirrel mop brush I use is expensive and is not necessary for this tutorial. I love the point you can get with it and the amount of paint and water it can hold, but you can use another more affordable brush if you can’t currently splurge.
More Watercolor Ideas
Looking for more Valentine’s Day Inspiration?
Be sure to save this for later!
How to Paint Watercolor Seascape (Hearts)
Equipment
- 1 Hair Dryer optional (to speed up drying time)
Materials
- 1 piece watercolor paper I used Canson XL
- 2 containers clear water
- 3 brushes size 4 & 6 round, squirrel mop
- 1 pencil
- 1 kneaded eraser
- 1 palette
Watercolor Paints
- 1 tube Payne's Gray
- 1 tube Indigo
- 1 tube Cobalt Blue
- 1 tube Burnt Sienna
- 1 tube Raw Sienna
Instructions
- Cut out heart shape. I found my heart shape online and downloaded it.
- Lightly trace the heart on your watercolor paper. Take a kneaded eraser and tap on the lines to make them lighter.
- Starting with the sky lightly wet the paper. Create clouds using a "wet on wet" technique. I used a watery mixture of blue and gray to create the subtle clouds.
- Then move onto the rocks using the browns and gray paints mentioned. Work in layers to build up texture on the rocks. Also, soften and blend paint toward the bottom of rocks to create shadows.
- Make sure the rocks are dry before moving onto the water.
- Using a mixture of indigo, cobalt and a hint of gray create the water. I finished off the painting by bringing the waves into a heart shape at the bottom.
Video
Notes
Did you make this project? If so, let me know!
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So lovely Danielle! Grateful life is back to normal after the weekend storm. Wish I could see the other contributions at the Native as well, so much talent!
Hi Carol! Thank you! It was wonderful to sit in the sunroom and paint and look at the blanket of white snow covering our yard. I’m dreaming of summer days at the beach now. I’ll try and take some photos at the event and share on social media, but if you look at Native on Instagram you can see some of the artwork Marie has shared. Really beautiful art! Excited to see it in person 😉
So beautiful! You are so talented!
Aw, you’re so kind, Julie. Thank you for your lovely compliment. xx
Oh!!! Danielle, another great tutorial. Keep them coming!!! Loved the video with the ocean waves sounds. There is something very special about living close to the ocean. Long ago I lived in Montara, CA for a couple of years. It was BEAUTIFUL and walking distance to the ocean.
Your sky is perfect!!!! Was that wet on wet?
Montara sounds beautiful, Josette! I was looking at old photos from our trip to California. Can you believe that was almost 3 years ago!!! Crazy. Yes, the sky is wet on wet. Drop in the color while it’s still wet so the edges of the clouds dry soft. You can also lift off color with a paper towel to make more white for the clouds.
I’ve always wanted to learn to paint and keep saying I will try with your instructions. I love your watercolors. This ocean heart is so pretty. You are so talented.