3319 Ocean Waves
Jerry Yarnell – Inspiration of Painting PBS Television Series oil painting tutorial.

Powerful ocean waves crash against rugged shoreline rocks as foaming surf rolls across a sandy beach beneath a soft coastal sky. The movement of the water, sparkling highlights, and dramatic wave action create an exciting seascape filled with energy, atmosphere, and natural beauty. In this intermediate water mixable oil painting lesson, Jerry guides you step-by-step through creating this dynamic coastal scene in a 154 minute session on an 18x24 canvas.

You’ll learn how to build a strong seascape composition using rolling waves, shoreline elements, and rocky outcroppings to naturally guide the viewer’s eye throughout the painting. Jerry demonstrates how to establish the major forms first, then gradually refine the water, surf, and coastal details while maintaining balance and realistic movement.

Special focus is given to painting breaking waves, foamy surf, wet sand, shoreline reflections, weathered pilings, and rocky coastal textures using layered color, blended transitions, and controlled brushwork. You’ll also explore how to create realistic transparency, motion, and light effects within moving water while preserving the power and beauty of the ocean.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll gain confidence in painting ocean water, wave action, and coastal landscapes while learning how to combine atmospheric distance with detailed foreground textures. This is an excellent project for artists ready to strengthen their water mixable oil painting skills while producing a dramatic and visually captivating seascape.