Still or slowly moving streams are very reflective, more so than rapidly moving water where the action of the water itself serves to break up reflections. You may find these small watercourses reflecting a dramatic sky at dusk or dawn, shining like mirrors set in the dark earth. I decided to try to capture that effect when I was struck by the beauty of this small hidden creek as I took an early morning walk near the village of Port Clyde, Maine.
dark-toned pastel paper
Blue-Grey, Chinese White, Deep Vermilion, Ivory Black, Pale Vermilion
To achieve something simple and dramatic with this painting, first experiment with a quick value sketch.
I wanted to use a dark paper, but I was not certain which one or which watercolor pencils might work best. After testing the opacity and workability of several brands, I settled on Derwent’s Ivory Black, Chinese White, Pale Vermilion, Deep Vermilion and Blue Grey pencils. I was able to get a sufficient range of values to suggest the simplified light of predawn on dark paper with just these five colors, using the opaque pencils very heavily in some areas and thinned with water in others. I used the Blue Grey pencil mostly mixed with Chinese White (bottom right) to lighten it up a bit.
Note that different brands have differing degrees of pigment density, which also affects opacity. Consider the six samples of white shown right and choose the right tool for the job at hand. Of course these samples reflect only the opacity or density of a single color—the brands handle differently with other colors.
Lightly sketch in the shape of the horizon and the little stream, then lay in your lightest lights with a very firm touch so they will be opaque enough to cover the dark paper. Then blend rather lightly to keep from disturbing too much of the opaque pigment.
When the layer from the previous step is dry, add a bit more color to increase the opacity of those lightest areas, then add a bit of reddish brown to the sky closest to the ground. Begin to strengthen the darkest areas with Ivory Black and Blue Grey. In this detail you can plainly see how simply I handled the foliage in the background and the reflections in the water.
MAINE DAWN
Watercolor pencil on dark toned pastel paper
61⁄2" × 91⁄4" (17cm × 23cm)
Because of the subdued light at this time of day, keep details to a minimum. The sharp contrasts between the lights and darks in the water are what makes it look so wet. This was a small tidal stream, so the banks were still wet with the receding tide. Use a smoother tone of Chinese White and a Pale Vermilion to suggest the damp, sandy banks. The pool of water in front was in a slightly higher place and reflected only the sky and an upright stump on the bank.