Reflections are an exciting element to draw because they double the beauty of a scene. The reflection shares the very same horizon and vanishing points as the images they are reflecting.
Reflections Are Perpendicular to Their Reflecting Surface
Reflected images are perpendicular to the reflecting surface. The vertical lines show how both the trees and their reflected images are perpendicular to the surface of the water. This is most noticeable when the reflecting surface is smooth.
Reflections Use the Same Perspective as the Objects They Reflect
In this pond scene, the same horizon and vanishing points are used for both the bridge and its reflection. It is not a repeat or reverse of the bridge, but a continuation.
Reflection on a Rough Surface
When the reflection surface is rough, such as when there are waves on the surface of the water, the reflected image is broken up. This occurs because some of the waves are not perpendicular to the image, causing distortion to the image’s reflection.
Distant Elements Can Be Reflected
The image reflected doesn’t have to be near or directly over the reflecting surface. The mountains are far away from the water, yet their image is still reflected on its surface.
Reflections Can Be a Drawing’s Focus
In this example, the reflection on a car’s wheel cover shows the sky, ground and trees. Even the person viewing it is visible in the center.