Tips for Painting Water
I've learned two key principles that can help you paint more convincing water. First, keep it simple. Many artists tend to overwork the water with too many brushstrokes, which can make it look cluttered or unnatural. Second, always ensure that reflections are the opposite in value compared to their source. For example, if you’re painting a white tree, its reflection in the water should be a darker value—perhaps an off-white or a muted tone, but never the same bright white. This contrast is essential for creating a believable reflection.
“To create a convincing reflection, you need that contrast in value.”
Let’s say the tree has a value of 1—very light. In that case, the reflection should fall around a 5 or 6, creating a noticeable contrast. If the tree is dark, say a 9 or 10, then the reflection should still be lighter, around a 6. It’s always a flipped relationship: a dark object requires a lighter reflection, and a light object needs a darker one. I often see people painting reflections with the exact same value as the object, which makes it look like a mirror. But to create a convincing reflection, you need that contrast in value.
Returning to the original idea: avoid overcomplicating the water with excessive brushstrokes. Try to keep your brush on the canvas, working in smooth, continuous motions rather than dabbing or blocking in too much. Overworking the water can distract from the main source of interest. If your composition has a high horizon line, the water may become a key focal point, in which case adding some detail can be effective—but be mindful not to overdo it. Many artists tend to put too much emphasis on reflections. Instead, focus on capturing the correct value contrast; reflections should generally have the opposite value of the object they mirror. These are simple but powerful techniques you can start applying in your next water painting.
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