The Making of a Surf Painting

Bonus Art and Closing Chat.

Well here we are on the last in the series of this tutorial, and there is a "Bonus" picture (below). The client liked the art so much, that they commissioned me to do a second smaller version to hang in the office of the CEO. of Quiksilver Europe, in France. This was a very enjoyable assignment because after all the studying to finish the final artwork, I knew, and practiced the whole process inside and out. This painting went so smoothly, it was like connecting all the moves on a 200 yard wave.

Let me close by saying that Surfing Art is more than just the perfect point wave with a palm tree. Everyone's experience with the sport has it's own personal point of view. Look for what YOU have seen and develop, not only a signature style, but also a signature subject matter, and approach. It's very important to practice drawing heads all you can, and the beach is full of them. So many effects of light and nature are fleeting, and we must sketch constantly. The camera cannot supplant the vivid mental impression one needs to produce a good picture. By actually coming to grips with your subject, you become filled with excitement over what the subject contains.

Since the art I have chosen to use for my example is also commercial, let me say that art buyers, as a rule are not artists, and it is up to the artist to sell their knowledge and good taste wherever possible. You can give the buyer what he wants, and still be giving him what he should have.

Surfing Art is wonderful, because together, beginner, or veteran, we have formed a real movement. In most of paintings history the beautiful marine art's subject matter was waves on rocks, ships and the fishery, but now we have added the surfable wave, and modern beach life to the genre. In my opinion, a milestone in public perception. Surfing Art try's to reproduce, and shine a light on the beautiful. This art of men and women surfing, and all the surrounding envirorment, and events has elevated the standard's of beauty. We seek an audience for our way of expression, so let's make what we have to say, worthwhile.


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Ron Croci {click here to view Ron's COTW profile/showcase}

Original paintings and prints can be purchased from Ron. Visit Ron's website at www.roncroci.com. Ron is also represented by Mckibben Gallery, Corona Del Mar, California and Surfing Artist International, Ocean City, New Jersey.