7 Steps To Painting - Sand Dunes
Join me for this step-by-step paint-along video as I guide you through creating two beautiful coastal sand dune scenes in acrylics.
This lesson was filmed during one of my weekly classes in Norfolk, and I want you to feel like you're right here painting alongside us, no matter where you are in the world. Together, we'll capture those iconic Norfolk coastal scenes: wispy dune grasses catching the light, dramatic blue skies with clouds rolling in, and that glimpse of sea on the horizon.
Working on a single large sheet, you'll create two similar paintings at once. This gives you the chance to practice the techniques twice and see how subtle variations can create different results. I'll break down each stage clearly, from mixing your sky colours to capturing the texture of windswept grass, making it achievable whether you're a complete beginner or looking to develop your landscape painting skills.
By the end of our session together, you'll have two finished paintings to be proud of and a set of techniques you can use again and again in your coastal landscapes.
What you'll learn:
How to create atmospheric skies with clouds
Techniques for painting loose, expressive grasses
Capturing depth and distance in a landscape
Working with a limited colour palette effectively
Building confidence with your brushwork
Materials: Acrylics, paper, and basic brushes. A full materials list is provided.
Please select ‘Preview Course’ to watch my free introductory video before you purchase this lesson.
Alternatively, click on ‘Step 1: Introduction and Surface Preparation’ below to buy this lesson.
You will be asked to ‘Sign Up’ to create a log in initially - this is so that you can access your lesson at any time.
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Sand Dunes - Acrylics
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7 Steps To Painting Sand Dunes in Acrylics Preview
Join me for this step-by-step paint-along video as I guide you through creating two beautiful coastal sand dune scenes in acrylics.
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Step 1: Introduction and Surface Preparation
Together, we'll capture those iconic Norfolk coastal scenes: wispy dune grasses catching the light, dramatic blue skies with clouds rolling in, and that glimpse of sea on the horizon.
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Step 2: Painting the Sky
I'll show you how to mix those soft blues and greys for an authentic Norfolk sky, then we'll apply them using bold, loose strokes.
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Step 3: Painting the Sea
That distant sea isn't going to be bright blue. I'll show you how to mix some beautiful greens that feel authentic for our Norfolk coastline.
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Step 4: Painting the Grasses
Here we're adding life to the dunes. I'll demonstrate scumbling techniques to create clumps of grasses that give your painting structure and interest.
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Step 5: Painting the Sand
Forget yellow: real sand is much more subtle than that. I'll show you how to mix soft stone shades that capture those thick banks of sand properly.
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Step 6: Finishing Touches
This is where everything clicks into place. I'll demonstrate how to add finer detail and highlights to your sea grasses, creating that sense of movement and life.
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Step 7: The Result
Time to step back and see what you've created. We'll look at the finished sand dune painting alongside the work of other learners.
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With over 40 years as a professional artist and 15 years running The Art Academy, I know what works and what doesn't when it comes to painting landscapes. This video gives you access to the same techniques I use in my own work and share with my Norfolk students. Clear, practical guidance broken down into manageable steps that anyone can follow. Real skills, clearly explained, no fuss.
Learn from Four Decades of Painting Experience
What you’ll learn
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Learn how to mix and blend those beautiful blue tones and capture the movement of clouds rolling across the Norfolk coast. I'll show you how to create atmospheric depth in your sky without overworking it, using simple techniques that bring your paintings to life from the very top of the canvas.
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Discover how to paint those windswept grasses that make coastal scenes so captivating. I'll demonstrate how to use your brush with freedom and confidence, creating texture and movement without getting bogged down in every single blade. It's all about suggestion rather than detail and the results are surprisingly effective.
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Understand how to create a sense of distance and space in your paintings using colour, tone, and simple perspective techniques. You'll learn how to guide the viewer's eye from the foreground grasses, through the dunes, and out to the horizon, making even a simple scene feel expansive and immersive.
Course FAQ
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The Sand Dunes lesson runs for approximately 70 mins/ 1 hour 10 mins, giving you plenty of time to work through both paintings at a comfortable pace. You can pause, rewind, and rewatch as many times as you need as there's no time limit on access once you've purchased the video.
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Absolutely! This paint-along is designed for beginners and improvers alike. I break down every step clearly, from how to hold your brush to mixing the right colours for coastal scenes. You'll be painting alongside me as if you were in my Norfolk studio, with the added benefit of being able to pause and rewatch any section until you feel confident.
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You'll need basic acrylic paints, brushes, and paper – a full materials list is provided with the video. I work with a limited colour palette, so you won't need an expensive range of colours. Everything I use is easily available from art shops or online, and I'll guide you through exactly what to prepare before we start painting.
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Yes! Once you purchase the video, you have unlimited access to watch it as many times as you like. Many students find it helpful to watch through once first, then paint along on their second viewing. You're in complete control of your learning pace.
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No previous experience is necessary. I've designed it to be accessible for anyone picking up a paintbrush for the first time. If you can follow step-by-step instructions, you can create these paintings – I promise!
Looking for More?
I've got another course below if you want to keep painting.
We're busy uploading more content behind the scenes, so there'll be new courses coming soon. Leave your email and I'll send you a message when they're ready.
