How to paint a BEACH with wet sand reflections ✶ WATERCOLOR tutorial

Let's paint the beach! I'll show you how to paint waves, rocks, and the wet sand and reflections which make the beach so beautiful. There's something fascinating about it and keeps me really inspired to pick up my brush.
My list of colors, reference photo, and step-by-step process can be found on the blog:
➤ fearlessbrush....
00:00 Intro
00:22 Sketch
01:35 Painting the Sky
03:52 Rocks - first layer
07:12 Painting the Water
11:35 Painting the Wet Sand
13:54 Rocks - second layer
17:58 Reflections & Details
➤ Prints: bit.ly/sbbookshop
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➤ Tutorials & Blog: fearlessbrush....
➤ Patreon: bit.ly/sburnspa...
➤ Instagram: bit.ly/sburnsinsta

[@BreonArt]

You're blending of the entire shore area, including the water over the sand is incredible! Those beautiful greens and browns mixing were perfection. Will definitely be trying this out, great tutorial!! Thank you!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you! That was my favorite part! And a bit of an ah-ha moment when I first tried it 😅

[@olgaishchenko8283]

Thank you so much for the tutorial, I really need it for painting shallow see! It was just the right time I saw it!

[@catherinebrown9119]

I find it is very hard to “let go” and lose control of the paint. It is so lovely when you create this way.

[@CarolinaCanada]

Omg. I laughed so hard when you said you weren’t going to go as far as adding plastic bottles😂 . A truly stunning shore you painted. I’ll watch again and agin and paint along. 💕

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you!

[@maryjones7212]

I o ft few

[@cassv350]

It's 0105 in the morning here at work, I'm new to watercolor painting, but going into it fearless, ready for whatever joy it will bring I bring me. I'm late in the age of life to start a new adventure, but... I have determination and time. I am so in awe of your skill, so I thoroughly enjoy this watercolor expression of yours. I am looking forward to challenging myself with your guidance. Thank you very much.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

You got this!

[@carolswett2809]

Sarah, Thank you so much for your generosity of spirit in sharing these tutorials.

[@marie-laurereinisch6305]

I'm really impressed by the way you did the shore and the waves. The tricky thing is it seems easy 😂 Thanks a lot for this nice tuto.

[@lourdesfernandez3162]

The sky, the sea, the rocks, the sand....beautiful the whole painting!!!!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you so much!

[@samantharankinstinamisan5583]

That blue sky is gorgeous!

[@Rockymtnbloom]

Love the way your calligraphy on the rock shapes instantly made them rocks!

[@gailcramer2766]

Thankyou so very much for such a detailed tutorial

[@Illustrat_E]

The method you used on the sky is incredible! Beautiful!

[@bethbale956]

Your approach and painting of the sand and shallow water was really wonderful. I can learn from this and improve that challenging area of oceanscapes.

[@holymoly2353]

I know I watched every brushstroke but I still don't understand how you did it! Stunningly simple but beautiful painting... Thank you

[@DJPixelList]

I think that the English Venitian Red looks pretty good on the edge of that rook...makes it really sing. Thanks for this lovely tutorial.

[@Heidi.M]

You are such a versatile painter, Sarah. I never use watercolour, but this video is inspiring!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you so much!

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

So glad to have found your channel Sarah. Your finished pieces, even if just for demonstration, are so good. The clarity and way you explain your thinking though, is what I like the most. So far, watercolour for me, has had some ok outcomes and some disappointments but I'm sure with great people like you out there, I can make head and tale of it. Thanks again. I'll be joining your patreon this coming pay day.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

That's wonderful to hear! With that attitude you will enjoy a life long friendship with watercolor :)

[@andreamarshall3356]

just tried something similar and to enhance my rocks I used a waterecolour pencil thank you for the guidance

[@user-po6bi6yi6b]

That's so incredibly a... Amazing!

[@AlphagirlMae]

Loved your step by step...I stumbled upon.... I haven't painted in so long. Your video really is inspiring.

[@cuencaarts]

Beautiful work dear. Very nice and the process is inspiring ☺️

[@charleneproulx8618]

This is a great tutorial. Thank you so much! 💕

[@geoffwales8646]

I just did a quick copy of this for my daughter after she found the picture in Google images. Out of curiosity I found the source and watched your video. Your picture is 100 times better than mine. 🙂

[@pk3679]

Thank you Sarah. I was struggling with my beach sand colors. Your suggestion was right on.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@judihussey5889]

Wow I’m just seeing this!! You’ve answered so many questions about painting water and rocks!! Thank you

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Zenon-fg4dw]

Thank you so much for this watercolor demonstration. I am going to try replicating it after I have viewed it a couple of more times. If mine comes out half as good, I’ll consider it a success.

[@deannadevaney2968]

I am so HAPPY I found you! This is such a great tutorial and I love your personality, approach, etc. Heading to your website now! THANKS for posting this! You brought up a lot of points that my art teacher has not.

[@hermajestyqueenmarcia]

Hi Sarah.. your work is just lovely .. nature's perfection in it's random offerings.. I was looking for how to paint sand and just could not stop admiring your work. Thank you.. so pretty!! Love Marcia in Modesto

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thanks so much 😊

[@Jasmine_Shelby_art]

Hi Sarah ! I think I missed this one. Even it's about 2 years ago, it's still pleasant and I like the way you paint. On my side, I wanted to start my channel with my own works, but finally I realised that I am not enough ready to go. I erased the videos short that I published. Also, I am not equipped enough. I have only the smartphone with no possibility to do videos more than 8 mns. Making videos is an additional work very exigent for an artist ! You are so courageous to stand up ✨

[@bobbysands5385]

Thank you Sarah for the thorough breakdown!!! I listened to it 10 times and took copious notes. Anyone can use these principles with the colors, saturation, and values of their choosing to create a convincing image. All the best to you.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you Bobby!

[@bonnieshapiro3511]

This is so beautiful and inspiring. I’ve watched so many tutorials by many beautiful watercolor artists. But I have to say this painting and your teaching and guiding skills of how you paint and get the effects are exceptional. I’m going to have to try this soon. I really need to start practicing more frequently again. I’m adding some of your paint suggestions to my palette. I’ve only just watched about 3 or 4 of your videos so far. But learning so much. Especially how to build from one layer to another. I’m so glad your videos popped up. I’ve had various stages of feeling stuck with watercolor. But slowly I feel I’m learning to understand this mysterious medium. Thanks so much for your videos.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Hello! Thank you :) I use a lot of different mediums, and frequently do mixed media. But I always loved watercolor for it's spontaneity. I go through phases of using different mediums and making videos about them too 😊

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Ohhh wow that’s great 😃! Watching your video I have just learned what I have been doing wrong when painting my shading & shadows for my waves in my own beach and waves paintings. Also how you have managed to get some spectacular waves in the very distance background with your technique is very helpful for me. The colors that you use are gorgeous looking for the beach sand. I have never thought of using a pink, although I know that there are pink beaches around the world. This is definitely a wonderful & peaceful painting to watch you do. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

So glad you found some useful information here!

[@mikelastmanstanding6078]

Thank you for this detailed tutorial! Awesome Job!

[@carrollsfarmcrafts310]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful tutorial. I learned so much from watching you.

[@Zain.Basi1]

This is very detailed unlike some other channels where you only watch them do stuff without giving you much advice, bravo 👏🏼

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

That's how I roll 😎

[@Zain.Basi1]

@@SarahBurnsStudio I love how you roll 🌝

[@jcd8381]

I enjoyed your teaching style. You offered very useful tips.

[@davidmolloy126]

Great tutorial Sarah, thanks very much.x

[@stephaniecorbett5356]

I’ve just discovered your tutorials. This one is really good, I love the way you talk us through it. Thank you so much.

[@deborahrech7429]

Beautiful painting! I enjoyed learning from your video. Thank you.

[@andreaferrari2117]

Really a good picture, well made. I like it very much. By.

[@johnmonsterwatercolour]

Nice work Sarah. Helped me on my current piece 👍🏼 Thanks

[@catheyboocat-design7175]

This was so cool to watch ❣️❤️🇺🇸

[@herartlifefz7846]

This is so beautiful painting and I love how you concisely described your painting approach. Thank you so much. I will definitely try painting something similar.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you so much 😀

[@libellula3313]

Beautiful. ❤

[@indic_brush]

Inspiring art . Amazing

[@deryayldrm8005]

So beautiful ❤️

[@nathalie9040]

I love all of your videos and especially the way you paint. There is something for all tastes and all levels. Your country is very beautiful and I love to walk there with you.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you very much!

[@andreamarshall3356]

awesome

[@l38blue72]

This is beautiful Sarah. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@amandamichelle4854]

Yay! So excited to try this one tonight, thanks Sarah! ✌️

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

You're so welcome!

[@Mr.S65]

V E Red is like Indian red an Earth pigment that is extremely opaque in DS paints. It looks lovely atop the rock though

[@johnpaine7609]

Thanks

[@lifesfluff]

Wow 😮

[@JorjaZanetta]

Amazing!!!

[@marie-laurereinisch6305]

Excellent !!!

[@carolbenson6524]

Excellent video...learned a lot!!

[@christicovington]

Beautiful and great job as always!! 😃❤👍

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you!

[@lesleyking2815]

Beautiful

[@terayahm6873]

Just happened upon this tutorial and I absolutely love it! I will hive this a go😀

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Have fun!

[@henriquejanuario881]

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@BigSplashOfCOLOR]

very helpful video, thank you!

[@christinacarlsen1284]

Beautiful painting!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you so much 😀

[@TheInappropriateArtist]

This is perfect timing! I have an image I took a few weeks ago that I have been hemming and hawing over how to accomplish the wet sand reflections! I will be working in gouache but I can thin it way down to make it work! Ooo just tagged you in my latest painting. I am so grateful for all you share here, on Patreon and your skillshare. I have picked up so many important tips and techniques watching you work. Thank you ❤️

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

That sounds fun! I havent done this scene in gouache but now I'm tempted...

[@eyaldror1526]

Greate work sara

[@miaa1762]

"Now let's do the fun part: the water and the waves" Me: *intensely sweating because the water is the hardest part for me* 👁👄👁

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Haha, it will be OK!

[@carriewelshart]

Beautifully done! So realistic ❤️ New sub!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thanks and welcome! :)

[@chhayasartsandcreatives2001]

Wow so nice👍

[@debbienarver5928]

beautiful!

[@majellaryan2174]

Thank you.

[@faadwaa8784]

Do you know that when I saw the notification of this video I almost cry,thank you for sharing Sarah❤😊 Love from Morocco💜💜💜💜💜

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Aww I hope you enjoy! 😄

[@michelepm9714]

très intéressant ,merci

[@thv_shres]

Your drawing is really amazing.... Today there is my drawing 3rd year exam, I'm really nervous as I'm not really ready but it's gonna help me so much🦋

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Good luck!!

[@mcroman-superfeat]

Some HAVE IT ! ;)

[@marionsutcliffe1119]

Wow

[@LadyJP6969]

Fantastic, Thanks for sharing!!! It’s French, so it’s pronounced “Arche,” the (s) is silent.

[@gloriaderteano9785]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Painting384]

You sound like my friend from New Jersey!

[@vru111]

Learning to paint from you

[@lorenacairo6079]

Beautiful. What kind of brush do you use?

[@alejandrabringas1410]

Hola. Una nueva subscriptora En tu página hay la opción de comprar tus pinceles 🖌? Está hermosa tu obra. Gracias

[@eddiejohn7744]

Wow , someone who actually paints rocks instead of the usual slosh on paint and scrape with a bit of a credit card and hope for the best. Nice tutorial , thank you.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

LOL

[@alicekaufman143]

the color pallet is extraordinary. Would you share your color mixes to a beginner?

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I shared that info in the description :)

[@fappyw.7162]

Hi Sarah, I really enjoy this awesome video...thank you! ☺️ May I know what brand and type of brushes that you use here? Thank you

[@fappyw.7162]

Ooh never mind, I browse your description and found them there! Thanks! 😁

[@nattyw495]

Hi , i was wondering do you remb the size of the rigger you were using in this painting....learning alot from your videos thank you...i live near great lakes and mostly our water is a grayish blue brown, when i watch your walk about art videos i notice such a difference in color range of your water.. i appericate the slow talk thru explanation of your process and the discussion of paint color, im asking for the shimikie desert color and forest color for xmas cause i notice the colors in it match our rocky beach sand and small beach rocks its so odd to think a desert color and forest color could match up but now i see the various types of color with a area..strange I'll happy never be able to just see basic landscape of a shoreline without noticing the intricacies of colors within the rocks or beach...mikelle art mom🎨✍👩‍🎨

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I believe it was a #1 ? Around there :)

[@j.eartdrawing3606]

This is so beautiful 😍 💖

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you very much!

[@christinedowney1959]

Sarah I just started watching your watercolor videos and am really inspired by what you do. I have tried to follow along in your watercolor tutorial of "BEACH with wet sand reflections". You give the names of the colors in your Blog however your tutorials do not say what colors you use for each section ie: sky, water, sand, rocks. Might this information be listed in another area of your Blog/tutorial?

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Good point! I just edited to blog post to include that

[@KarenmitchellANI]

I'm loving your channel Sarah, I used to live not far from the coast (West Aust) and miss it, I'm in the country now. I enjoyed this whole process very much! What was the name of the gray you used on the rocks, just so I get it right, Neutraltin maybe? .. Thank you

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you Karen! Yes it's Sennelier's neutral tint, one of my favorites!

[@marymary5494]

👌💕

[@jojosqueeze]

Hey I thought you did a good job with your piece but I will say it was a little hard to keep up and I think it’d be nice if you made videos with less jump cuts because it was a little confusing.

[@xxwaldi]

I actually thought those were people laying at the beach which changes the perspective totally

[@driss2286]

I really enjoyed thank you soooo much for sharing this video. I have a question: I want to buy watercolor paper , do you think CANSON PAPER is good? How can I pick the best watercolor paper in general? Thank you❤❤

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I havent tried Canson paper. In general always read reviews or watch KZbin reviews. I only use 100% cotton paper.

[@amandamichelle4854]

Canson paper really is pretty good for the price point, in my opinion anyway ☺️

[@driss2286]

@@SarahBurnsStudio OK thank you Sarah😊❤

[@driss2286]

Thanks for your help.🌸

[@marie-laurereinisch6305]

How did you make the Sand colors?

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Mainly yellow ochre and potter’s pink

[@lourdesfernandez3162]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@terayahm6873]

I am so sad your focus is now goache. I use to love your watercolor tutorials until you started using gouache exclusively now. I understand it is your passion now and your art has taken you to this new medium. I have bought your gouache box and tried it but alas, it is not for me. 😅

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I kinda ebb and flow between the two. I think I go through phases, I can’t just do one thing forever! I wish I could 🤣

[@noodlz_Cat7]

ive litteraly made a painting worse than a 5 year olds how does this work

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Maybe start with some basic sketches first. Or try a value study. Try again, then again, and again :)

[@benitchanga6554]

So sometimes can you make your art video a teeny tiny bit SLOWER

[@eroticmasterbaker]

Great