Explore two ways to understand water and sand in any ocean scene. This will help you paint plein air or in the studio in any media.
Study 1 shows how to paint wet sand by manipulating bars of value with minimal color shift (mostly gray tones).
Study 2 shows aqua waves and deep blue water with white foam on a sunny day.
Find a collection of photos or work from memory to start re-designing with beach shapes. Painting only from a photo can lead to stiff 'uptight' waves with no motion implied. Think of variety and unity when working with beach shapes... they can be wonderful for fostering creativity.