It’s not easy crafting delicious art out of thin air, but when it comes to drawing water, there’s no better way to do it than with an impressive splash of color and creativity. From photorealistic seascapes to abstractly depicted oceans, there’s something truly beautiful about the ways in which water can be envisioned. For anyone looking to break into the art of painting water, here are a few tips and tricks to get the perfect piece of artwork.
1. Start with the Basics
The easiest way to start drawing water is to begin with the basics. Start with simple lines to create shapes and shadows that reflect the movement and patterns of light through the body of water. Using shading and blending techniques, begin to create the illusion of light and shade on the water. If you’re struggling to feel like your lines are convincingly communicating the flow of the water, practice by studying the photos of real-life bodies of water. Make sure to pay close attention to the colors you’re using and how they’re interacting with one another; water often has a multitude of different colors, and getting the balance right is crucial.
2. Experiment With Different Surfaces
It’s easy to overlook the different surfaces that each body of water holds, since it’s all just one large body of liquid. But the surface of a body of water can often help convey emotions, as well as make the painting of water more realistic. Experiment with different surfaces, from smooth and still water to a choppy or rolling sea. Ruffles and bubbles in the water can add another layer of complexity to the painting, and conveys the power and mystique of nature.
3. Focus on Reflection
The reflection of objects or lights in a body of water can add a whole other dimension to a painting. This can be achieved easily by looking out for details. Pay attention to the way the water is reflecting the sky, or use a light source to create interesting highlights and ripples in the water. Be sure to draw the reflections slightly blurred, and always follow the motion of the water in order to make the reflection convincing.
4. Use Color to Make Your Art Pop
It’s easy to rely on black and white when drawing, but color is an essential and powerful tool when creating an artwork. Color can bring out the playfulness and mystery of water, and make your artwork stand out. Try to use colors that will blend and contrast with one another, and keep the colors grounded in the context of the painting. Don’t be afraid to mix and blend colors to create your own unique takes on a body of water.
5. Have Fun and Be Creative
Finally, don’t force yourself to make your painting of water look perfect or too realistic. If you find yourself stuck, take a few moments to relax and try to think of creative solutions that will make the painting stand out. Allow yourself to play around with the imagery and the colors, and be open-minded to try and think outside the box in order to make your pieces unique and eye-catching.
