Photo real water?

[kmblackbear06]

When painting water for say an ocean or river... is it usually done with photos, or do artists hammer it out? I am trying to do an ocean scene and painting even semi photo real ocean water is giving me trouble... any pointers?

[dylan]

usually water features will be handled with live action photography or 3D elements that are comped in. The only time you do it is if it is very far away. Then you may just pass off some highlights to a comper so they can do a little shimmer. That is what I did for the river in my recent post of the narnia painting.
I will often put my own water elements in my paintings so I can guide the comper on what it should look like, but they are just there as guides.

[kmblackbear06]

awesome, thanks for the tip. I was starting to go crazy trying to figure out how to paint photo real water close up...

[Da_Elf]

anyone remember bob ross? he used to be wild at painting water (among other nature things) and all in approximately 30 minutes for his tv show. if youve never heard of him then shame on you hehehe
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Ross

this man was awsome to watch (and halarious as well with his happy bushes)

[kmblackbear06]

HAPPY LIL TREES!!!! I used to watch bob ross paint on PBS all the time. The guy was amazing :) I'll check it out Thanks.