From time-to-time artists will paint a study to help them prepare and resolve any issues a the scene for a larger-sized painting. This allows them to check the composition, colors and values before moving forward.
This is an 8×10 study for a larger-scaled seascape that is being evaluated for either 11×14 or 16×20 painting.
Rough Sea Study
Oil Pastel, 8×10
Would love to hear your thoughts on this piece!
Oil Pastels by Mary 
Great study !
Your final painting will be great !!! 😉
Hi Petronette, glad you like it. Can’t wait to get into the paints to see what becomes of the scene.
I’m excited to see the finished piece! (I like the idea of a study, too.)
Hi Mamie, yes the studies work for me sometimes as it helps to see problem areas before I actually start painting the larger sizes. On this piece in particular I have several changes in mind, so I’ll also be doing a few value studies on it. Thanks so much, will probably work on the larger scene after I finish up the latest painting on my easel.
I love your oil pastels of the ocean. I live close to the ocean so I have a real affinity for your subject.
Thank you so much for the lovely compliment, I really appreciate hearing from you. Oil pastels are a wonderful medium for painting the sea – thank you!
Mary, the study itself is lovely. Beautiful array of color in the rock.
Thank you very much Elena, I really appreciate your lovely comment!!
This is interesting Mary. Is it based on a place that you’ve actually seen? I like the idea of having a study painting before beginning on a large project. Usually your scenes pop right out with composition and clarity. This one escapes me a little. Not sure it’s perhaps because the big rock is pretty much centered, or maybe too much emphasis on the sky. Like how you’re trying to create depth though with the foreground rocks, middle ground rock, and waves in the background. Ok, so there you go, my two cents worth. 🙂
Hi Bella, your two-cents were exactly what I wanted to hear. This scene is one that I want to paint on a larger scale but needed to be worked out first. There are several areas that need to be addressed for a good composition and that’s why it’s good to do studies – painters will do this a lot. The large rock will fit better in the scene when the large arm (left-side) is worked out better as smaller or totally taken off and the action of the sea will be brought to the large rock so the rough sea connects to the middle and foreground more cohesively. The sky has brought the atmosphere and now I’ll be working to see if I can bring a painting to life with a different foreground design. Loved hearing your feedback and perspective – gives me something to consider as I move forward. Thanks so much!!
Mary, every time I see your work, I’m amazed!
Thank you so much, your kind words are so nice to hear!!
Mary it is already great painting even it is a study. Superb atmosphere of sky, rocks and sea.
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. The sky was an important element of the scene, because it depicts the stormy weather – thus Rough Sea.” Thanks ~
I think it’s lovely. It really captures the dark, heavy mood of a stormy day on the beach. If anything, it might be nice to add a little more detail in the bottom left corner or a few highlights in the clouds to add more depth. The whole painting is beautiful, though.
Hi Mamie, thank you for your well-thought out feedback – very appreciated. I’m very much in agreement with you on the left-side foreground, that is one of the areas that will be planned out with a different approach taken. That change will bring about a different sea foam wave line you see extending from the large rock and maybe a tad more of highlights in the sky. I have about 5 areas to work on for a larger piece. Your comments were very good to read. Thanks!