Deep Blue Sea

Acrylic artist HASHIM AKIB develops a photo into a balanced and bold marinescape.

- Hashim Akib

I ’ve lived around Leigh-on-Sea in Essex for most of my life. The old town, which looks over the Thames Estuary, is an idyllic place with moored boats, mudflats and tranquil sunsets. For this painting, I worked from a photograph and tried to balance calm waters against busy boats. I incorporated plastic cards into the process to add textural features and edges. www.hashimakib.co.uk

1 I apply a base colour of Permanent Blue Violet and Titanium White to contrast with cool blues and warm lights. Once dry, I load a damp, 2in flat brush with Titanium White, Cadmium Orange, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Burnt Sienna, and small amounts of Sky Blue, King’s Blue and Permanent Blue Violet. I fill in the sky using broad strokes. Layers are applied quickly to avoid them drying. Paint is thick to maintain luminosity, but not overly blended. To paint the water, I use a clean brush with Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Cadmium Orange, Burnt Sienna and a small amount of Sky Blue.