TM8922 The Restless Waves 36×36 oil on panel

Painting the sea, at least in New England, is all about the gorgeous and infinite neutrals….plus a little playful brushwork. All the swirling movement can easily turn into a study of moire patterns. The eye slides around the picture and skips into the waves. It can feel as thrilling to  paint as a roller coaster ride. More! Details below.

TM8922 The Restless Waves – detail from lower right quadrant showing layered glazes and brushwork, use of scraping into wet glazes

TM8922 The Restless Waves – detail from center

TM8922 The Restless Waves – detail from middle right side with base layer showing through

Technical painting notes: The base layer of dark blue/gray paint was rolled on with a soft rubber roller, then manipulated with mineral spirits to create drips and streaks. When it was dry, multiple layers of transparent glaze were applied and sometimes scraped away with a silicone scrpaer. Thin layers of paint were applied soft brushes. Some of the middle layers of gestural brushwork were applied with a worn chip brush and loose paint, allowed to dry, then refined with traditional brushwork.