It’s All About Style
If you spend enough time at any surf break, you’ll eventually spot him. He’s the guy who looks like he’s not paying attention, totally relaxed and seemingly indifferent to the chaos of the lineup. But the second he turns for a wave, everything changes. No frantic paddling, no wasted energy, just pure style.
I’ve spent the last few sessions (both in the water and at my desk) trying to translate that specific “flow” onto paper.
The Search for the Vibe
Capturing a feeling is often harder than capturing a likeness. I made several studies where I was wrestling with the balance of the piece. I wanted the sky to hold that warm, hazy glow of a fading afternoon and the water to feel deep, transparent, and alive with emerald and turquoise tones.
The Final Illustration
In this final version, I focused on the posture, the calm, upright stance that makes longboarding look like a dance. Watercolor is the perfect medium for this; its natural fluidity mirrors the unpredictable nature of the ocean. I have to guide the paint, but I also have to let it breathe, much like finding the right line on a wave.
To the Stylists Out There
This piece is a tribute to the surfers who remind us that it’s not about how many turns you make, but how you feel while making them.
And if that guy is you… this illustration is for you.
Technical Details
- Medium: Original hand-painted watercolor.
- Inspiration: Late afternoon sessions and the “effortless” local legends.
- Palette: Golden Yellow, Burnt Orange, Emerald Green, and Cobalt Turquoise.
What do you think of the final result? Does it capture that flow feeling, let me know in the comments!
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