Moving water doesn’t generally have reflections, but do try to determine what makes the shapes you see—a rock the water flows around or one just under the surface, a shallow riffle. In this demonstration, the shapes were made by a rocky incline where a bridge used to be.
1" (2.5cm) flat brush, no. 8 round brush, assorted watercolor pigments, graphite pencil, watercolor sketchbook or journal
STEP ONE: Capture the Image
Take a picture of the area you’d like to paint for later reference.
STEP TWO: Draw the Water
Draw a few sketches of the surrounding water to get a feel for the way it flows.
STEP THREE: Add Final Details
I sat on the bank and painted after getting into a zen place with my sketches. You can see my simple kit right by my journal.
This is why I enjoy working on the spot much more than working from a photo. Here the bright sunshine throws the stonework on the far bank in almost-black shadow and the foreground is too dark to be interesting. Sitting on the bank, I could see all the detail and nuances, and choose which to include.
Remember, in still water or large bodies of water, the distant horizon is generally a straight line parallel to the top of your page. Water seeks its own level, so if you’re painting the ocean, a lake, your own pond or even a broad river with a distant shore, remember that shoreline or horizon will be level, too.
Still water is a challenge that requires you to remember that flat horizon line or distant bank. Trees may be softly reflected color, as Gay Kraeger has done here with a breeze. She does this by making linear streaks in the water on the right, where it’s unprotected by the tall green trees.
You don’t always have to portray the water itself. Laura Murphy Frankstone has let the shape and positions of the rocks tell us about the bay in this fast sketch—they act as negative shapes that tell the watery story.
When reflections occur in still water, mirror the shape or position of what casts them. If a tree leans to the right, so will its reflection. It will also appear clearer the closer it is to the tree, and then become a calligraphic scribble as it branches away from the tree. A few horizontal lines across the reflection reinforce the impression of limpid water, when using a linear medium. I used a bent-nib calligraphy pen to accomplish this reflective sketch.
Wherever you are, find water! Sit and take a long look, think about how long you have to work and how that affects the medium you’ll choose or your working method. Consider how you want to place your subject on your paper, and what format you want to use, horizontal, vertical or square.
Do a small sketch first. It helps to map the shape of the river or lake, or capture moving water like rapids or a waterfall. Make a graphite guideline if you feel the need.