Reflections in watercolor can be painted in may ways.  There is no ‘right’ way, if you ask me - just your own stylistic preference.

The way I see it, there are two main styles when approaching watercolor reflections:

1. Abstract

2. Realistic

Abstract reflections are painted in a way that conveys there is a body of water but doesn’t get into the nitty-gritty of painting all the small ripples or painting a “mirror-like” reflection.

Realistic reflections are painted in a way that looks more “photographic”. So that means while painting, you would likely spend more time detailing the images that are showing up in the body of water.

As you can see from the example in this post, I prefer painting abstract over realistic. I love allowing the beauty of watercolors to really show through in this area of the painting by using wet-on-wet techniques.

I love trying to capture the “suggestion” of a reflection - it can sometimes difficult to do, but I find it a fun challenge. Reflections are something I find myself coming back to again and again to practice and get better at. I’ll probably always be practicing them as each time I encounter a chance to paint one, I find that it is challenging in its own way!

In case you want to give abstract reflections a try, I want to share this video with you.  It’s a time-lapse version of a lesson that I shared inside of my member’s community, Paint With Me.

In this video, I demonstrate a simple approach to painting abstract reflections.  If you’re looking to experiment and try this technique out, follow along and give it a try!

And if you’re interested in finding out how you can join our community, click the button below!

SUPPLIES USED IN THIS VIDEO:

• Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper

• Princeton Synthetic Brushes Series 4050R Size 12

• Grumbacher Goldenedge 3/4" Aquarelle (Flat Brush)

• Daniel Smith Paints

COLORS USED:

• Burnt Sienna (Warm Brown)

• Terre Vert (Green)

• Monte Amiata Natural Sienna (Earth Yellow)

• Cerulean Blue Chromium (Blue)

• Payne's Grey (love using this to darken colors)

OTHER SUPPLIES (if you're curious where I got them):

• Palette by Priscilla Lee

• Water cup by Sylvan Clayworks

As always thank you for reading & watching,
Susan