Image Gal

Artists have always been fascinated by the almost-mesmeric effects of the ever changing play of light on and under water---whether it is the ocean, a rushing, tumbling river, a meandering stream or a tranquil lake. It’s intriguing to observe the sparkling light patterns and translate that to a two-dimensional painted surface.

There are many mediums for an artist to choose from to accomplish this. In this case, examination of acrylic and watercolor pigments will show how each have unique characteristics in depicting reflections on and under the water. Each paint medium is handled differently. Although both are water-based paints, they are definitely diverse in their applications.

Clouds, trees, buildings, bridges and boats reflected on the water and earth, rocks and weeds under the water all have special attributes. They are rendered in different ways.

2) The reflections of the bridge railings, painted opaquely, become wavy, abstract patterns, looking almost like dark ribbons dancing across the surface of the moving water and over the submerged earth.

"Canal Crossing" is an example of how churning, frothy water behind a passing parade of ducks would be rendered.

In this watercolor, the reflection of the underside of the bridge was painted first. After a lengthy drying time, the waterway passage was "scrubbed" out, taking the surface paint off with clear water and exposing the white of the watercolor board. Then the rush of water was painted in horizontal strokes to create the illusion of moving water behind the ducks. This effect takes advantage of the non-permanence of the watercolor medium.

"Red Boats" will illustrate the usefulness of both the opacity and the transparency of acrylic in reflections.

The smooth reflection of the sky was done in a very thin, transparent wash and left to dry. Then the reflections of the trees were built up in multiple layers of opaque and increasingly darker and less saturated (intense) colors, which would be appropriate in reflections seen in water. (Notice the darker red of the boat’s reflection in the foreground).

Some of the light sky color and clouds, peeking through between leaves, was added in opaque light blue and white. Finally, shadows on the end of the bridge reflect in the water in washy layers.

   

The reflection of the dark fronds of the palm tree in the center was painted after the initial blue-green canal water had been laid down.