Painting Realistic Waves

Learn how to paint realistic waves, capture their energy and translucency.


Why Ocean Colors Change

Learn how the Light changes during the day and how it affects the colors in the seascape.

Wet Underpainting Technique

Learn how to use the Wet Underpainting technique to create luminous rich color in your pastel paintings.

2-Day Workshop:
January 24 and 31 (Saturdays), 2026

10am - 3pm (with lunch break)

Painting Waves

in Daytime and Evening

with Soft Pastels


Did you notice how different the colors in the ocean are during the day and in the evening? They are affected by changing Light.

In this workshop, we will focus on how the Light is changing during the day and how it changes the color of the waves.

While the main focus will be on the changing color palette, you will also learn how to make your waves look realistic, capture their movement and energy. You'll learn how to create the beautiful effect of translucency and glowing foam spray.

The workshop format:

  • 2 Zoom meetings on Saturdays (discussions, short demos and exercises, overview of the homework projects).
  • Homework done during the week, following the steps in the main pre-recorded video demos with my full commentary.

This format combines the in-person (online) meetings and more relaxed self-paced study during the week, so that you can practice the new skills without feeling rushed and later get the feedback on your work.

Feedback:

Each student will receive the individual recorded video feedback on their homework projects. In addition, we'll discuss most common homework issues during the Zoom meetings.

*Students will have unlimited access to the workshop recordings and videos (provided by Teachable.com).


Register Now:

Materials

UART sanded paper, 400 grit, neutral color, 9"x12"

Mid tone gray sketching paper (for quick value studies)

Hard and Soft pastels (good range of basic colors from light to dark, particularly in greens, blues, purples, etc.)

Isopropyl Alcohol (you can use water instead)

Flat synthetic brush about 3/4"

Bristle brush for corrections

Toothbrush for foam spray effect

Artists' Masking Tape to attach the paper to the board

Foam core board

Glassine or Tracing paper to protect the finished project

Testimonials

What my students are saying about this course and my classes and workshops:

"I’ve signed up for this course, and I’m absolutely blown away by the professionalism, quality, tons of useful information, and priceless tips that Lana is delivering at each session. She is a great educator!

Highly recommended to everybody who wants to improve his painting skills!"

Mena L.

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"In a word, the workshop was “masterful.” But, I will go beyond just one word to express my deepest appreciation of your dedication to your craft. Whether the way you taught, emailed preparatory materials, painted, or critiqued, you exemplified the traits of a master. Thank you.

I learned a lot and plan to take future workshops with you."

Lisa D.

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"I have always admired your work, so I was thrilled to be able to take this class from you. Being a teacher, I can spot a good teacher a mile away, and you have what it takes to do that...you know how to break down the steps needed to get the lesson across to students and help them paint a successful painting. Thank you so much for offering this workshop!

Thank you again!"

Carole P.

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"I really enjoyed Lana's workshop. Her process is amazing to watch. I love how she took our photos into Photoshop and quickly illustrated how to edit our paintings to make them more interesting."
Chrissey D.

Meet Lana

Hi! I'm Lana Ballot.

I'm excited to share with you my passion for the Color and the beautiful medium of pastels!

I am a professional artist and pastel painting instructor, living on Long Island, NY. I have been teaching classes and workshops throughout the United States and internationally.

I have been exhibiting and won awards in National as well as International Juried competitions, including the Pastel Society of America’s annual show Enduring Brilliance and the prestigious Pastel Journal’s Pastel 100 competition.

My work has been published in national and international art magazines, such as Plein Air Magazine, Pastel Issues of the Pratique des Arts, Artists & Illustrators.

I'm a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America and The American Society of Marine Artists.