Techniques Used in Marine Art: From Canvas to Digital
What Are Marine Art Techniques?
Marine art requires unique approaches to capture the movement of waves, reflection of light, and anatomy of marine life. Traditional methods include glazing and washes, while modern marine artists also rely on digital layering and rendering tools.
Common marine art techniques include oil glazing, watercolor washes, layering, plein air studies, and digital illustration methods for precision and color control.
Traditional Marine Art Techniques
For centuries, marine artists have developed specialized skills to depict the sea.
Classic techniques include:
Oil Glazing – building depth through translucent layers of color.
Watercolor Washes – creating fluid transparency for skies and waves.
Layering & Blending – mimicking textures of moving water.
Plein Air Studies – sketching directly on the coast for realism and atmosphere.
Masters like J.M.W. Turner and Winslow Homer relied on glazing and washes to create luminous seascapes that still inspire artists today.
Modern Techniques in Digital Marine Art
Today’s marine artists combine tradition with innovation. Bradley Deal specializes in digital marine art, using illustration techniques that highlight ocean fish with accuracy and vibrancy.
Digital techniques include:
Layering & Transparency – simulating oil or watercolor depth.
Color Calibration – precise control over marine color palettes.
Brush Simulations – digital tools that mimic natural paint effects.
Detail Rendering – capturing scales, fins, and natural motion of fish.
Digital marine art uses layering, calibrated color, and rendering tools to achieve both realism and artistic interpretation.
Why Techniques Matter in Marine Art
The ocean is one of the hardest subjects to capture in art. Techniques give artists the tools to:
Show motion in waves and fish.
Convey light reflection across water.
Depict atmospheric perspective in seascapes.
Achieve accuracy in marine species illustrations.
Create emotional impact that connects viewers to the sea.
Whether oil, watercolor, or digital, marine art techniques ensure that the ocean feels alive on canvas—or screen.
Bradley Deal’s Approach
Bradley carries forward the tradition of marine art while focusing on the life beneath the surface. Instead of ships and harbors, his digital illustrations showcase the movement, detail, and beauty of ocean fish.
His work resonates with:
Anglers & sportfishing communities who recognize the species.
Collectors & art lovers who want marine-inspired pieces.
Conservationists who value realistic depictions of marine life.
Explore Bradley Deal’s Marine Art
Bradley’s digital illustrations combine centuries-old marine art techniques with modern digital precision, producing vivid works that highlight the beauty of the ocean’s most iconic fish.