Painting Waves
with Wade Koniakowsky
Thursday, March 11th & Friday, March 12th, 2027 | 10AM - 1PM
204 S Austin Street, Rockport, Texas.
$350 for Members | $435 for Non-Members
Class Description:
Join internationally collected artist and lifelong surfer
Wade Koniakowsky for an immersive painting workshop focused
on the timeless beauty of the ocean.
Workshop Subjects
• Understanding wave anatomy and movement
• Capturing light on moving water
• Color mixing and color temperature
• Atmospheric perspective and depth
• Composition and design
• Painting foam, spray, reflections, and shoreline effects
• Brushwork techniques that create energy and movement
Students work from reference material provided by Wade, including
original paintings, studies, and carefully selected imagery that supports
a step-by-step instructional approach.
A Proven Teaching Approach
Clear demonstrations, individual attention, practical feedback, and a
supportive learning environment allow students to build confidence while creating successful paintings.
DAY 1 — Painting the Wave: Science, Light, Form & Movement
Day One begins with an understanding of the science and anatomy of waves—how waves are formed, how energy travels across the ocean, and what happens as a wave approaches shallow water. We’ll look specifically at how and why waves break, focusing on that dramatic moment when the wave changes shape and releases its energy—the moment we’ll be capturing in paint.
From there, Wade will demonstrate his step-by-step approach to painting
convincing, dynamic waves. Topics include wave structure and movement, capturing light on moving water, color mixing and temperature, creating depth through atmospheric perspective, composition, and techniques for painting foam, spray, reflections, and shoreline effects. Special attention will be given to brushwork that creates energy and movement.
Students will work from reference material provided by Wade to complete a wave painting during the session.
DAY 2 — Painting the Texas Gulf Coast: Color, Atmosphere & Local Water
Day Two takes the principles learned on the first day and applies them specifically to the Texas Gulf Coast. Rather than the clear blues and turquoise often associated with California and Hawaii, we’ll explore the warmer greens, muted blues, browns, and silty colors characteristic of Gulf Coast water.
Wade will demonstrate how to find beauty and luminosity in these more subtle water colors—using warm and cool relationships, reflected sky color, changing light, and value to give the water depth and life.
Students will create a Gulf Coast painting using imagery selected specifically for the Rockport workshop, with an emphasis on capturing the distinctive
color, light, atmosphere, and character of the Texas coast.
SUPPLY LIST FOR PAINTING WORKSHOP
PAINT: (Oil or Acrylic)
Titanium White
Cadmium Red Light
Alizarin Crimson
Cadmium Yellow Light
Yellow Ochre
Ultramarine Blue
Phthalocyanine Blue / AKA Phthalo Blue
(Disregard “green shade,” “blue shade,” etc. As long as it says Phthalocyanine Blue or Green, you’re fine.)
Phthalocyanine Green / AKA Phthalo Green
(DO NOT get Phthalo Green LIGHT!)
Dioxazine Purple
If you use oil, you will need:
Odorless Mineral Spirits
Small portable can for paint thinner with locking lid
A medium such as Linseed Oil is recommended
BRUSHES:
3 or 4 sizes from ¼” wide on down to flats, filberts and rounds, and one smaller brush for detail (“script” or “liner”).
PALETTE:
9” × 12” Disposable Palette Pad is recommended
CANVAS PANELS:
2 – 11” × 14” — per day of painting
CONTAINER FOR WATER (For acrylic painters.)
About the Instructor:
Wade is an internationally collected fine artist known for his ocean-inspired paintings. Beginning painting at age six and surfing before age twelve, his
lifelong connection to the sea informs every workshop he teaches. Prior to
becoming a full-time artist, Wade enjoyed a successful career in advertising and design, creating award-winning work for major national brands. Wade has taught workshops and retreats throughout the United States, Hawaii, and Central America, helping hundreds of students strengthen their artistic skills while sharing his passion for the ocean.
Thursday, March 11th & Friday, March 12th, 2027
10AM-1PM
$350 Members | $435 Non-Members