Painting waves texture, how much is too much?
I recently shared a painting I did of St Elmo lighthouse in Malta, I was really quite happy with the building but struggled with the sea and sky. I decided to give it another go, and wondered about painting this kind of dark sea, choppy waves, so no reflections as such, only minimal shadows from the boats and possibly the walled lighthouse buildings. Most seascapes I see are coastal with a land, beach or rocky foreground, with perhaps more interesting lapping waves over the sand or shale, or crashing dramatic waves against rocks. I'm trying to let go of the fiddling urge I feel when painting and the watercolour wants to go where watercolour wants! I must admit I'm still having an issue with wanting to paint details as if I were drawing! I would really appreciate any advice and suggestions on tackling this scene. Thanks 😊





Your comments about fiddling made me smile. I understand all too well how easy it is to fiddle a painting to death.