How To Paint Ocean Water with Watercolor Tutorial

Hey guys!
In this watercolor tutorial, I'll show you how to paint water with watercolor paints. I've been asked so often to create a watercolor seascape tutorial and to teach you how to paint ocean waves.
Finally, I think I have enough confidence to finish this watercolor demonstration!
Follow along as I create this watercolour seascape!
xo Dana
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Curry's #8 round brush
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MUSIC:
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Midnight Bounce - Lakey Inspired
/ lakeyinspired
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LOVE YOU!!!
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[@thewonderforest]

If you saw the prompt in the video, leave a comment to win a copy of my book!

[@dianeo]

I prefer lakes because as a kid my fav vacation was at a cabin on a lake. Being surrounded by nature, wildlife, peace and quiet has always appealed to me. Plus, we could always bring our dog along :D #emailcrew

[@sarahypolite3698]

I prefer oceans, I am not sure why but, the thought that the ocean is the only thing joining us together but at the same time separating us, with the most beautiful sea creatures.

[@sarahypolite3698]

#emailcrew

[@bluecurlygirl]

Yup saw the prompt! I love all things water related. Love getting out rowing. There is nothing better for calming the mind and curing headaches than a ten minute rowing session. Even just a 10 minute ride in a boat. Fab. Great tutorial and the water looks fab. Thank you for sharing. #emailcrew By the way, did I detect a sore throat there? If so, healing wishes.

[@kyllenicolebonga1227]

I prefer the ocean because I grew up hearing the waves and I could not deny its really calming. The Philippines is known for its seas and the place I live shares a fair amount of beaches. Seeing people not appreciating it as much as people like me do saddens me. The ocean has provided us with food and even jobs so it is just fair to give back to it. Not all people might see its ethereal beauty but the ocean will forever be its own paradise, a home. #emailcrew By the way, your voice is as calming as the sound of the waves and as beautiful as the shells that glitter under the sunshine that is why I love watching your videos.😊

[@zms581]

Painting water with water

[@ExpressionAbbey]

ZMS lol 😂

[@dragonisdragon8037]

Fun

[@yumtaco7376]

Yessir

[@mellowmishXD]

I used the water to make the water

[@God.438]

Zms lol

[@bethwaller1789]

Personally, I prefer the ocean because my husband and I were blue-water sailors for many years. In fact, we lived aboard a 36' sailboat for 2 years. Thank you for the inspiration!))

[@TarotfromScratch]

Ocean scenes are so calming. My favorite.

[@appleknocker56]

Water has been (so far still is) a real challenge & thank you for showing how you do it in real time & how to leave whiter parts in the middle! Then times use the tip of the brush & how to soften (amount of water on brush) is very important & patience is correct! You paint beautifully!

[@thewonderforest]

thank you! i am so glad you found this tutorial helpful!

[@conniephaneuf4574]

I love ocean water over lake water. I was raised at the beach in southwest California just a few blocks from the beach. I LOVE ocean! Thank you for this tutorial.

[@karliebartlett3509]

This video is so soothing. It really shows you that patience is a virtue with watercolor

[@lindas.martin2806]

Very nicely taught lesson. Sometimes es the teachers really do not not practice before they teach and I appreciate your taking the time and energy to to work on the lesson so that students will be more successful!

[@elizabethlowemoncrieff6816]

I've been starting the same painting a gzillion times that has a sunset over water. This tutorial helped me know where to begin and that it IS time consuming. I always felt I over worked it but now know I must do many layers! Thank you!

[@tunghoang2786]

DRAWING WAVES IS SOOOOOO HARDDDDD 😩

[@_inky_]

Ikr😢

[@seshagirik4066]

yes but try and paint

[@InvokeArtSense]

Ocean waves and ripples are amazing done in watercolor. It's time to practice. Thank you for the wonderful video. I can use these tips in my watercolor work.

[@kathysettevendemie2397]

Ocean - more please! thanks for such helpful tutorials!!

[@lumartwentyone]

I'd been painting oceans with some level of success and trying different videos as guides. I find yours as the most comprehensive and easiest to follow. You’ve really hit the mark here. Thanks much and keep them coming.

[@lornaelizabeth8478]

First, I have to say thank you to KZbin suggestions otherwise I don't know if I would have found this video. Second and most important thank you so much for posting this watercolor tutorial! It was one of the most informative and easy-to-follow watercolor technique videos I've ever watched and trust me I've watched hundreds of them at this point! Thank you so much for posting this and keeping it simple and easy to understand. At times I have trouble painting watercolor scenes and I find them intimidating and a lot of times I don't even start them. Oh and I do prefer oceans! Thank goodness I've always lived within a half hour away from the beach!

[@dawnb.leroylime5384]

I love the sound of an ocean and the still quiet of a lake, both hold secrets underneath! ;)

[@TheFabulousIdiot]

What an enjoyable and relaxing tutorial; from the subject matter, background music, to your voice over. When I was younger, my mother would take my brother and I to the beach just about every year. We lived a few hours from the Chesapeake and our favorite was Virginia Beach. We did go up to some of the lakes in the Shenandoah Valley area, but we were beach people, from New York to Florida, California, and Granada. So I'd have to say my favorite water is ocean water and the variety of ocean water colors: from murky grays and blues to crystal clear aquas. Thank you for prodding my brain, as I had forgotten all those places and the beautiful memories of traveling especially with my mother.

[@swanriver55]

I love all kinds of water....and for different reasons. I find I will go to different types of water to get what I need at different times. There’s the vastest and depth of the ocean, the stillness and serenity of a woodland lake, a powerful, rushing river, a slow, meandering stream. Each is beautiful in its own way and provides the perfect nurturing for a particular mood. Loved the tutorial, thanks!

[@kimsargeant8126]

Sandra Seib very well said!

[@chellerey9658]

I prefer oceans because of the power an ocean can exhibit. I’m always amazed at how the exact same area of ocean water changes so drastically during the same day and then absolutely explodes and becomes extremely dangerous during a storm. I love being in, on, and around the ocean. You never know what your going to get and you really need to except and respect the unique tendencies and traits of the ocean. Plus the sunrise and sunset on an ocean bursting with color is mind blowing. So in conclusion, the unpredictability of the ocean fascinates me and that’s why I LOVE it. ! Wonderful tutorial, your skill and technique knows no bounds!!

[@TheInkinGardenSpot]

I love this painting, such a helpful tutorial. I prefer the oceans, just the utter vastness and the amazing animal life, just leaves me in awe and wonder. Although there is so much beauty in a mountain lake or stream, all of nature is a work of majesty.

[@nadeaner.cowley513]

I really appreciate you explaining where the shadows and highlights go and why....most watercolor tutorial videos breeze over that part "now just add the shadows and highlights and your done" like ok....thats why im watching watercolor tutorials to learn where to put shadows and highlights*.....So i definitely appreciate that little add-in on where to add the dark parts, thank you....I knew after watching hundreds of random watercolor tutorials Id find some truly useful content....Thank you. Subscribed and reccomended❤

[@octopusyogurt1883]

Watercolour paintings are like onions They have *L A Y E R S*

[@michaelakristine5198]

I thought the reason why they're similar to onions is because they make you cry lmao

[@KrishaUdeshi]

And they make you cry when you make a mistake

[@Liz-iu5lx]

you mean like ogres

[@ButacuPpucatuB]

I have a deep love for the ocean but also for waterfalls. I’m in love with the water in general. My zodiac sign is a fire element but here I am loving the water. I think water is life, it sustains it, but it also calms it. This tutorial was a delight to watch. Thank you for taking the time to teach us.

[@gloriaderteano9785]

I love the Ocean.

[@ABirdWoman]

I love the ocean because depending where in the world you are, the colors are incredible!

[@vickiehanners-gatchel5467]

I’ve watched many videos on painting water. This has absolutely been the best and most helpful using watercolors! I’m very happy to see you use white. It’s nearly impossible to achieve realistic waves and ripples without it. Thank you very much for your videos!

[@yvonne7699]

I love to see more waves. Most are painting small waves, the big once would be really great. Waves are so hard to paint🚤🐳🐬🏄‍♀️😍

[@CMason-yr9ks]

TRULY BEAUTIFUL!👍 I prefer the ocean if sitting near by and feeling the saltwater breeze blows by! I prefer the lake if I'm painting a watercolour and trying to capture all the wonder and glory! I enjoy them both on this I agree, but for now I'm enjoying the watercolorest in front of me! Thanks for sharing your talents!💜

[@terryparkinson6431]

I love this tutorial, you break down the task of producing water so well that you make it look easy. Well done. I personally love oceans over lakes (although both have their own appeal) because of the smell and feel of brine in the atmosphere.

[@sueanderson8054]

Oceans! Love the quiet and feeling the movement when sailing.

[@pwinner4122]

Amazing! Having lived near a Great Lake most of my life, you'd think I'd say lake, but I truly love the ocean, it's immensity and the pull of the waves just draws me in.

[@kimburke3189]

The ocean! I love the sound of the waves crashing onshore! Thanks for the lesson.

[@inabowen1387]

I prefer the ocean because of the movement of the waves, the energy it gives and how it can make one feel "whole" again! Great tutorial ~ thank you.

[@deniseeddy6352]

Finally! Thank you! I've been watching "beginner" wave tutorials and being totally overwhelmed because they don't describe what they're doing or why. Your video and technique are awesome!

[@jolivingston5230]

Definitely prefer the ocean, the sound of the waves is soothing. I brings me such peace.

[@user-qu6yn5dm4b]

Wow! Oh!and I love both Oceans and Lakes😌😌

[@dragonweengs4010]

I prefer the ocean 🌊 because I love the sound of the crashing waves and the smell of the ocean breeze. It’s so soothing and calming.

[@delder5264]

Fantastic tutorial! I loved the guidance and honesty about practicing before filming. Thank you!

[@PrincessLollyLolita]

This inspires me to paint water-themed postcards for my friends! Thanks so much for sharing your skills with us!

[@StigSlashBro]

this is really cool! I've only ever painted oil and acrylic because watercolour's always scared me but painting water seems like something concrete but not insanely difficult i can work towards. also, oceans. they make me feel like part of something much bigger than myself. I always think of how only one body of water can separate me from someone else also wondering the same thing.

[@sarahmorrissey548]

This was exact,y what I needed! Thank you! I grew up 45 min from the beach so I definitely love the ocean more! I have so many wonderful memories at the beach! And I’d love to win a copy of your book!! 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@Sabrina.Cruz.]

Wow, that was really helpful and beautiful! Thank you so much. Let´s see if I can make it now...

[@nicolewooldridge9683]

You know how, to explain painting, very well. I really enjoyed, this vlog.

[@annarmon1129]

You were so clear in your descriptions. I appreciated that you explained that you too had been intimidated by trying to paint water, let alone, ocean! Just got a nice watercolor set and am going to start practicing. Thank you.

[@SeaSprayWatercolorsbyJillCJack]

I saw the prompt-truthfully I love them both. I grew up in the mountains and spent many happy times at the lake with my family. I now live at the ocean and consider myself fortunate to live close enough to enjoy the coastal beauty. It’s like trying to compare chocolate and vanilla-both are sweet and good!

[@leamartin8190]

I prefer the ocean, to the lake. I love the sounds that the waves make and the ocean soothes and relaxes me. I also love the beauty of the ocean and watching the dolphins.

[@baked3135]

Need this because my friend wants me to draw her a sun set not knowing I literally started with watercolors last Thursday and now I have like 2 weeks to finish it since that's when I'll see her again. Late comment but god thank you for this AAAAAAA

[@margaretpalmer-im2on]

I enjoyed this video very much, as she really explained clearly, and got straight to it. Thanks

[@franlin8153]

I am a beginner and so amazed of what the future can hold for me in watercolors. I have so much to learn. This ocean is just so realistic!

[@MrsTiffanyGrey]

Oceans always! The creatures, the vastness, the beauty! 🧡

[@syrenag]

I love painting water, and you nailed it on this tutorial! I like lakes and rivers for reflections and small waves, but I love painting ocean waves because they're so beautiful and challenging!

[@lesleyholmes6724]

Your practice shows. Well done looks great ❤

[@tamicassity994]

I love paintings of ocean water over lakes, but if I want peaceful then definitely calm lakes. Love the water tutorial! As a beginner it helped me immensely

[@jneigler]

The oceans will always be my favorite. Thanks for this tutorial. Really beautiful water.

[@SuperExadidas]

So natural and beautiful!

[@dianepfile7966]

Love your tutorial. My first love is swimming in the waters of the northern Maine lakes where I grew up. I actually didn't view an ocean till I was much older. Camping, fishing, and canoeing on the lakes are childhood memories I will cherish. My first view of the ocean was during a trip across the Atlantic Ocean to visit Nova Scotia with a group of educators studying our French heritage. My memory of the ocean, at that time, was not favorable, due to having a queasy stomach. Love the lake calmness and predictability and memories of my childhood.

[@baclark512]

This is a great tutorial for painting water.... I love the vastness of the ocean. It is soothing to hear the waves break upon the shore. I like the beach in the fall.. It is not so hot and you can enjoy the ocean breeze and not the heat of summer.

[@lyannepoirier8447]

Love the techniques to paint water! I love the ocean and all it’s mystery!

[@mariamali8427]

Absolutely stunning. Thanks for the tutorial. I have trouble painting water!

[@sweller7503]

I just started a piece with ocean and after my second layer was doubting my approach. Watching you and listening to you has given me back the courage to keep going on my painting. Hope it turns out as nicely as yours. It is just beautiful!

[@lisbethdanners1441]

Thank you! This tutorial really helped - water has always been a struggle to me.

[@kidwriter4]

I have your Forest and Jungle books. They are SO fun!

[@siobhan3520]

I like being by any body of water, but I definitely prefer the ocean. The sounds and smell of sea air are relaxing and refreshing 🌊

[@annarmon1129]

As for preferences, I love both! The ocean is so powerful, and elicits so much reverence but a lake is so comfy-- approachable and sweet. For swimming, a lake for sure. Not so comfortable in salt water.

[@susanmaunsell1915]

Great to see your process. The final product is great!

[@sheadorris]

Ocean definitely! This is beautiful!

[@brianacpratt]

Just beautiful!!!

[@marieclark802]

I love this. Lived in Maine for 20 years and although I lived near a lake in nh, all my sketches have been of the ocean. Finally, a technique easily understood! Thanks so much!

[@tammy2830]

I’m happy to see this tutorial, because I love watching the ocean water at the beach. 💕😉

[@SH-eb9hg]

I've come across this video late, but I really appreciate it. I think the result you get is great, and your instructions are clear and inspiring. I've tried it twice so far, with really unsatisfactory results, but you say it really does take practice, so I'll keep on trying! Thank you

[@thewonderforest]

keep trying!

[@ericmiles4818]

Very helpful! Helped that very day. Thank you!

[@sheelkhirbat9857]

Wonderful! Loved it !

[@deborahsinclair9944]

I am mostly interested in the ocean because I live on Cape Cod. I learned a lot from this tutorial and I saved it to watch again and again. Thank you.

[@jansaathoff7938]

love this tutorial-- beautiful water!

[@kimberlycano8862]

I like water in general...oceans, lakes, rivers...a random puddle lol. If I had to choose though, I would say ocean. There is just something about hearing the waves crash that is super calming and relaxing. I love your painting! I'm definitely a novice water colorist and painting water has always seemed very intimidating. I will definitely be trying this after watching your video though. Thank you so much!

[@lindysmith13]

thank you, one of the best tutorials I've seen

[@kaboompainting9984]

All so beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@eloisewalker352]

I love the Ocean, best of all. I live in York, Me. very close to York Beach. It’s heavenly. Thanks for the video. Water is very intimidating to paint and you made it look easy❣️

[@jeanniehargis4034]

Beautiful! Was so informative to watch the process you used to paint water. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise. Can’t wait to try it...

[@zainabqureshi9334]

This is an amaaazzzing tutorial!!! 🖤🖤🖤 Thank you so much!

[@chase4326]

That is gorgeous! Thank you for the tutorial. ♥️

[@OnePillKillz]

Love this !!!

[@gillianbc]

Brave to go in with the black at the end, but you nailed it! Well done!

[@kayboath2468]

Being in Scotland our lakes are called lochs, and they are amazing, the mystical mountains around them make for some stunning scenery, and being in Scotland where we can have 4 seasons in one day !!! Means the vista is forever changing 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😍❤️. Thank you so much for your tutorial, water has always been very difficult for me, but you broke the process down so well, and your finished piece was beautiful, I will def be giving this a go in the not too distant future. Thanks again . K xx

[@watercolourmark]

Nice demo. I see so much water done with random light and dark, forgetting water is a 3D object; light hits the top creating shadow below it,on the side of the form. You nailed this, amazing result.

[@bailaaronovski5951]

Just beautiful amazing work of art !!

[@marknolan1412]

Ocean for sure! You are extremely helpful...thanks!

[@analuizarosario8742]

omg! That's perfect!!!!

[@patriciarobinson8368]

AWESOME! A absolutely wonderful.

[@silencedxdesire]

😍😍😍 so beautiful and helpful! Thank you for posting such detailed lessons.

[@Lisa-sy3id]

Great video! I love the mystery of oceans

[@BrandyLewisPlus4]

Stunning!! I could watch you paint all day 😊

[@dawnb.leroylime5384]

Thank you for slowing down the video a bit to show real time....I love watching you paint and seeing your white paper come to life with color! Awesome tutorial!

[@kindredspiritfly]

love this!!

[@cg9983]

Very helpful instruction. The best I’ve seen about painting water. Thank you.

[@jillc8464]

I could really see myself doing this but with a beachy/sand scene in front and a boat in the back or just clouds. The colour palate is definitely one of my favourites. I love the ocean and all the mysteries under the water.

[@babs675]

Fantastic! Thank you. The water looks great!

[@jwklzl5804]

This is the best explanation I saw for waves and light in watercolour. Thank you.

[@michelejohnson4558]

I am inspired! thank you!

[@Liveoutloud79]

Love the technique explained, well done.

[@hootiew.2522]

I prefer oceans because I grew up in Indiana where there are lakes everywhere. When I saw the ocean, it meant I was on vacation! I now live in Florida, close to the ocean, which I want to learn to paint better. This tutorial is amazingly beautiful, educational and relaxing! Thank you!