Where The Koi Go, 9x12

"Where the Koi Go" 9x12"   Sold

Water and reflections are very intriguing to the viewer. I find it mesmerizing. This is probably the most challenging element to paint, but such a beautiful one as well. Water is my favorite subject to paint. It is written about in depth (no pun intended here) in my artists' statement. In Maggies' workshop, I was thrilled when she had water as one of our studies. Here are some tips to know that she shared with us that give a painting that "wet" look.

* Deep water has a dark base.
*Lay in the reflections after painting the surrounding environments.
*Give only one "splash" the lightest value, making that particular splash the star of the painting.
*Use a skipping scumbling stroke for moving water.
*Reflections always come toward the viewer, shadows can cross over a reflection.
*What is reflected always is affected by how high or low the viewer's perspective is coming from.
*The color of reflections always depends on the color and depth of the water.
*A light object will reflect a bit darker, a dark object will reflect a bit lighter.

I've painted this scene once before, so it was a snap in the workshop. But, I must say, it is better the second time around!