Painting a beach scene is not difficult. I always start with a very simple sketch. Sometimes I just draw in the horizon line. I always measure this, there's nothing worse than a sloping horizon. Sketch in a rough drawing of any headland or landscape. I always start painting the sky and clouds, softening and lightening them towards the horizon. Blend in the clouds using a palette knife, keeping the tops where the sun hits, brighter. You can use a large, long handled, flat brush or like me, a palette knife does the trick. If you're using a brush, buy a good quality bright, long handled flat brush which is stiff enough for oil painting. For finer detail, a short handled, round brush works well. My brushes last for years because I always clean them thoroughly with turps at the end of a day's painting and then rub them over a bar of soap and warm water. Treat them with care and they will serve you well. If you are using a palette knife for painting...