WOW Factor: Seascapes

Workshop: Seascapes in Oils with Lyn Diefenbach

Description:
In this workshop, we’ll dive into the art of painting seascapes — from crashing waves and foamy edges to shimmering reflections and serene horizons. You’ll learn how to use value, color, and edges to create dynamic and believable ocean scenes. Emphasis will be placed on thoughtful composition, brushwork, and capturing the energy of water and sky.

Expect thorough demonstrations and plenty of one-on-one time at your easel.

Pre-Workshop Preparation:

Required Video:
Before the workshop, please watch this 45-minute video:
"What Every Artist Needs to Know"
https://vimeo.com/452078840/9f8c1bd5ea

This video lays the foundation for the workshop by explaining the key principles of Line, Value, Color, and Edge. Watching it beforehand will help you get the most out of the experience.

Materials List

Canvas:

• 1 stretched canvas (size and shape should suit your subject).

• Choose a manageable size that you can realistically complete during the workshop.

Oil Colors: (Preferred brand: Winsor & Newton Artist Quality — but bring whatever you already use)
This list is a guide — you do not need every color. Bring what you have, along with any favorites you enjoy working with.

• Winsor Green (or Phthalo Green)

• Sap Green

• Olive Green

• Cerulean Blue

• French Ultramarine

• Cobalt Turquoise

• Cadmium Lemon (or Lemon Yellow)

• Yellow Ochre

• Naples Yellow

• Purple Madder

• White (Winton Soft Mixing White — a blend of Titanium and Zinc)

• Burnt Sienna

• Burnt Umber

• Ivory Black

Medium:

• Gamblin Alkyd Slow Dry Medium

Brushes:
Bring your favorite brushes — the following are what the instructor typically uses:

For detail and drawing:

• Rosemary & Co Pure Sable Series 91, Size 8
  OR

• Silva Renaissance 7110 Sable Cat’s Tongue, Size 8
  OR

• Any small pointed brush for fine detail

For general painting (choose one set):

• Art Basics Series 877KF, Sizes 6, 8, 10, 12
  OR

• Rosemary & Co Filbert Series 276, Sizes 6, 8, 10, 12

Additional brush:

• Art Basics 125 Dagger Taklon Brush, Size ½”

Additional Supplies:

• Palette knife

• Odourless solvent (e.g., Gamsol)

• Masking tape

• Paper towels

• Easel

• Drop sheet

• Large palette: approx. 45 x 70 cm

  • White-painted masonite from the hardware store works well

  • OR use disposable paper palettes taped down to your table

Reference Photos:

• Bring clear, high-quality reference images with strong light and dark contrast

• If printing yourself, use photo-quality paper

• Or, bring images on your iPad or tablet (preferred by the instructor)