Welcome to this week's Tutorial Tuesday! I'm thrilled to share a very special project with you all. This painting is called "Under the Sea," and it began as a casual, fun day in the studio. I initially thought I'd just experiment and let the brushes guide me, but as the piece progressed, it started taking on a life of its own. It came together so beautifully that I decided to turn it into a full tutorial for you.
"Under the Sea" is an enchanting underwater scene that dives into the depths of a vibrant ocean world. The painting features gentle sunlight filtering through crystal-clear water, illuminating three graceful nurse sharks gliding through the currents. Surrounding them is a stunning coral reef, brimming with life, colors, and intricate details that bring this underwater paradise to life. From delicate coral branches to playful schools of fish, every element contributes to the serene, almost magical, atmosphere of the deep sea.
One thing to note: I wasn’t initially planning to film this as a tutorial, so I don’t have footage of the very first stage of the palette setup. However, I’ve made sure to talk through the entire process in detail to guide you through it. If you’re wondering about any of the colors or techniques I used in the early stages, please feel free to drop your questions in the comments. I’ll make sure to go back and answer every single one to help you navigate any challenges you might face.
For this wet-on-wet oil painting, I used a vibrant and rich palette of colors that capture the dynamic hues of the underwater world.
Palette:
* Titanium White
* Yellow Ochre
* Indian Yellow
* Bright Red
* Alizarin Crimson
* Phthalo Green
* Phthalo Blue
* Blue Mix: 1 part Prussian Blue, 1/2 part Midnight Black, 1/2 part Phthalo Blue
* Dark Sienna Mix: 1 part Dark Sienna, 1/4 part Bright Red
As always, this tutorial is designed to be approachable for all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting your painting journey, I believe this piece offers something for everyone. You’ll learn how to create realistic underwater lighting, achieve the illusion of depth with layering, and use bold, confident brushstrokes to bring marine life to life.
If you’re new to my channel, welcome! I post a new painting tutorial every Tuesday at 5 PM, offering insights into my creative process and tips to help you grow as an artist. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy this video—it really helps support the channel and keeps the creativity flowing. For those who’ve been with me for a while, thank you so much for your ongoing support and encouragement. It means the world to me to have such an amazing community.
I truly hope you enjoy "Under the Sea" as much as I enjoyed creating it. Let’s dive in together and explore the beauty of the ocean through the magic of painting. As always, I encourage you to put your own spin on it—add your favorite marine animals, experiment with the colors, or adapt the techniques to your own style. I can’t wait to see what you create.
Private Lessons:
Ready to take your skills to the next level? I offer one-on-one private lessons every Wednesday where we can dive deep into the techniques, tools, and inspiration behind your art. These personalized sessions are tailored to your unique creative journey, whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your craft.
Have Questions? Let’s Connect!
I’m here to help you grow and succeed. If you have any questions about this tutorial—or anything art-related—don’t hesitate to reach out. Email me anytime at contact-me@kayleerakowski.com, and let’s keep the conversation going.
A very special thanks to Ed and Brian for your generous donations this week! Because of your support, I was able to purchase a couple of new fan brushes, which made such a difference in bringing this painting to life. I’m so grateful for your kindness and encouragement—it truly keeps me inspired to keep creating and sharing.
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