This is the finished painting
Oil on canvas 12 x 16 ins

What did I learn?
I was able to use various techniques within a painting which was what I set out to do. Blending, glazing, reduction, scumbling, sgrafitto. Working on one area of the painting could completely change the rest of the painting so there was a constant interplay to achieve a balance. Also experimented with mixing paint with solvent / liquin and working by building up layers. This was the first time I had used glazing and can see how this works to alter tone and depth of colour

What did I find difficult?
Getting the sky to look effective and not just like blobs of cotton wool. The sea in the photograph was actually calm but  the rocks and waves were painted in after I accidently smudged   the paint. The painting would have been very boring otherwise and I think the waves and rocks add interest.

How could I improve the painting ?
I'm not too happy with the foreground. I think the waves come to an abrupt end onto the sand and I think there is scope for improvement here. I feel I need to return to it in a few days with fresh eyes before making any changes.

At Last - The First Post

After much procrastinating / dilly-dallying / messing about and generally wasting time I have decided to knuckle down and get my act together.


It's summer holidays, no college, no deadlines..............just time for doodle and play

Working from a photograph and using oils on canvas this is a work in progress. My plan is to try out more oil painting techniques during the holidays. In this painting I've been using glazing and impasto techniques. Hope to finish this later today.