Place a picture of ocean waves nearby for inspiration.
Painting waves with pastels is a creative way to express your artistic talent. Technically, pastel "sketching" is a work of art where the chalk covers only part of the paper, according to Art Made Easy. Alternatively, "painting" with pastels requires chalk tracings to cover all areas of the paper. The trick to successfully painting waves is to remember that pastels should be layered; as opposed to blended. Pastel chalk does not blend well and attempting a blend can result in a muddled image.
Instructions
1. Tape the edges of a piece of acid-free pastel drawing paper to a flat piece of cardboard. Attaching the paper to the surface keeps it from moving. Cardboard prevents chalk dust from staining wood table tops.
2. Lightly trace the outline of the waves with a pencil. Draw a slightly uneven, horizontal ocean surface line 1/3 of the way up from the bottom of the paper. Curve the surface line up into a tall, downward arc to act as the wave outline. Bring the wave outline up to 2/3 the height of the paper. Keep the remaining upper 1/3 free to add water suds.
3. Trace or brush the pastel colors onto the paper. Sketch thick or thin lines -- depending upon your preference -- over the body of the paper. Employ a variety of greens and blues to give the wave an authentic look. Layer colors from dark to light. Add light grays and eggshell white colors for the suds. Swipe your fingers over the paper to spread and fade the chalk. Alternatively, shave pastel slivers into small bowls. Dip a soft cloth or soft bristled brush into water and then into a color of slivers. Brush or spread the colors onto the paper. Cover all corners of the paper before finishing.
