Alex Dzigurski: How to Paint Crashing Waves

Discover How to Paint a Rarely Seen Moonlit Seascape Using the Dzigurski Family’s Legacy Painting Techniques — In Just One Evening!

Alex Dzigurski II, one of the best seascape artists today, is going to guide you on how to paint a breathtaking and seldom-seen moonlit seascape scene from start to finish — in just one evening!

This exciting paint-along video will have you paint the stunning California coast where the Santa Lucia mountain range cascades into the ocean.

Alex will show you how to paint all the various elements in this piece: the peaceful moonlight shining through fluffy clouds, spilling romantically onto the landscape and onto the water, making it shimmer and sparkle…

…the powerful crashing waves, full of energy and movement, splashing onto the rocks…

… the abstract patterns of foam washing onto the glistening beach…

…a thrilling scene to paint!

Many artists love this location because of how dramatic it is…

…but what’s so special this time is that you get to paint it as seen at night!

Alex Dzigurski II carries forward a remarkable family legacy. 

His father, Alex Dzigurski I (1911-1995), was a Serbian-American master known as “The Poet of the Sea” for his ability to capture nature’s essence through sublime color combinations.

Alex II inherited his father's exceptional skills … and then further developed them, creating his own unique style.

Alex’s incredible ability to create highly dramatic yet realistic seascapes is something no serious artist should miss.

His masterful technique combines striking compositions, bold brushwork, and nuanced transitions in both value and color.

Right now, you have the rare opportunity to learn these time-honored legacy techniques, refined across generations.

Alex will help hone your artistry by showing you:

●      How to AVOID making stiff and unnatural waves (students inject too much symmetry into the waves — there’s a simple approach to solve this)...

●      How to keep the painting looking energetic and loose…

●      How to make the moonlight actually look like moonlight instead of the sun (the lessons on color and value will help you with this)...

●      How to create the illusion of light on water…

The best thing is… 

…Alex makes it very easy for anyone to paint along and quickly see results — no matter your level of experience.

After this video, you’ll gain a skill that can capture the hearts of art collectors and art lovers everywhere!

Here’s a small taste of what’s inside:

●      How to paint translucentwaves and AVOID making them “stiff” and unnatural…

●      How to create REALISTIC rocks using color, temperature, and value…

●      How to make the moonlight cascade down from the sky and onto the background mountains…

●      How to use color, temperature, value (and even texture) to paint the cliffs on the horizon…

●      Tips for a strong, natural design that pulls the viewer in…

●      What colors to use to portray the moonlight and add vibrancy to the painting…

●      The RIGHT way to draw in wave patterns…

●      Why Alex doesn’t pre-mix colors, and what he does instead…

●      How to use black to tone down colors (and which black works best!)...

●      Easy solutions to alter the value of color (you’ll love this)...

●      Why (and when) you should NOT use pure white…

●      Alex’s favorite way to make color and value transitions…

●      How to create SHIMMERING water…

●      Why and how to avoid repeating patterns…

●      How to keep the painting looking natural and loose…

●      How to paint the sea as seen at night (a scene few have witnessed!)...

●      Color mixing tips to get accurate colors for water…

●      Brushwork techniques to show movement and energy of the waves…

●      How to create the illusion of light on the water…

●      Simple ways to create an atmospheric perspective…

●      How to portray wet sand…

●      Strategies to create a strong, natural design that attracts viewers…

●      PLUS: Key color mixing techniques, how to create believable texture, alla prima painting techniques, and so much more!

Your Lesson Plan!

Introduction:

A quick intro and brief hello before you start. You’ll learn why direct observation is crucial in painting seascapes successfully. Listen to Alex, and make sure to jot down some notes!

Materials & Tools:

Here, you’ll explore the specific palette, brushes, and canvas recommended for capturing the magic of a moonlit sea. You’ll learn why black is a valuable addition to your palette and discover the best colors to portray vibrant moonlight. This chapter will equip you with the knowledge to select the perfect materials for creating stunning moonlit seascapes, elevating the richness and depth of your paintings!

Block in Basic Composition:

Dive into the fluid, abstract nature of ocean painting as you learn to establish your composition. You’ll discover techniques for drawing wave patterns, creating abstract cloud shapes, and establishing a strong horizon line. Alex’s approach to blocking in the basic shapes will teach you how to build a solid foundation for your seascape, ensuring a balanced and compelling composition from the start.

Block in Sky Shapes:

Feel the joy of spontaneous color mixing as you bring the night sky to life! You’ll learn how to use black to tone down colors, how to warm up your palette with magenta, and ways to create seamless color transitions. Alex’s techniques for balancing warm and cool tones will help you craft a captivating moonlit sky that sets the perfect mood for your seascape.

Block in the Coastline:

Master the art of painting distant cliffs and rocks using color, temperature, value, and texture. You’ll learn to create the illusion of depth and dimension in your coastline, experimenting with color to add interest to your distant shores. These skills will enable you to paint realistic and visually engaging coastal elements that anchor your seascape composition.

Begin the Ocean:

Discover the secrets to painting shimmering, moonlit water as you start bringing the ocean to life. You’ll learn to create the illusion of distance, mix beautiful grays, and develop colorful darks. Alex’s approach to painting waves in three distinct sets will teach you how to create depth and movement in your seascape, resulting in a dynamic and realistic portrayal of the ocean.

Develop the Main Wave & Foreground:

Dive into the heart of your painting as you craft the main wave and foreground elements. You’ll learn techniques for painting translucent waves, mixing realistic foam colors, and creating wet sand effects. Alex’s guidance on incorporating dreamy, romantic colors will help you infuse your nighttime seascape with mood and atmosphere, elevating your painting from mere representation to an emotive work of art.

Add Contrast:

Take your seascape to the next level by mastering the art of contrast. You’ll learn when and how to use pure white, develop more intricate foam patterns, and add sparkle to the water. Alex’s techniques for achieving the look of spraying, misty water and controlling edges will bring your painting to life, creating a sense of movement and energy that captivates viewers.

Final Touches:

In this concluding chapter, you’ll learn how to put the finishing touches on your nocturnal seascape. Alex guides you through adding final highlights and refining foam patterns, showing you how to balance all elements of your painting for maximum impact. These final techniques will help you polish your artwork, ensuring that every detail contributes to a cohesive and stunning representation of crashing waves under moonlight.

Meet Your Instructor, Alex Dzigurski II!

Born in 1968 in California, Alexander Dzigurski II inherited a rich artistic legacy from his father, Alex Dzigurski I. After graduating from the American Academy of Art in Chicago in 1990, Alex II spent five crucial years under his father’s tutelage, mastering the distinctive Dzigurski palette and technique.

Driven by wanderlust and an artist’s eye, Alex’s travels became a quest for inspiration. He has painted compositions of landscapes/seascapes along the coastline of California, New England, Oregon, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Rocky Mountains, the Alps, France, Italy, Napa, Sonoma, Yosemite, and Hawaii.

For three decades, Alex has left his mark on the art world, participating in national exhibitions and earning representation in prestigious galleries. His talent was formally recognized in 1999 with Signature status from Oil Painters of America.

A master of the alla prima technique, Alex thrives on capturing fleeting moments with bold, immediate strokes. His versatility shines as he transitions between miniature canvases and sweeping large-scale works, all inviting viewers to see the world through his unique artistic perspective.

This is your chance to learn from an experienced and phenomenal artist!