Step 1
This painting of Lake Powell Morning features the type of reflections only found on very still water. In this case the scene is near Moki Canyon on the upper lake. This is the perfect painting to use a reflection technique I learned from the master David Drummond.
Step 2
I am painting on Arches 140 lb. watercolor paper. After doing a thumbnail sketch I start with the sky and do my initial glazes on the distant cliffs. I have to do the cliffs before I can develop the reflections. Here I use Hake brush to wet the water area.
Step 3
With the paper wet, I first use a 1-inch Aquarelle flat brush to wash in the warms from the sky and cliffs. I then use a #12 or #14 Sable round to lay in the blue reflections from the sky on the water.
Step 4
After letting these washes dry completely, I am ready to begin delineating the wavy hard-edged reflections.
Step 5
I begin with the reflections closest to the rocks. Reflections are generally darker in the water and of course, the reflected image always has wavy edges if there is the slightest ripple.
Step 6
Note in the distance I left a streak of blue across the water. This is where a wake or wind has broken the surface reflection. I continue to work on the reflections using a smaller round brush to keep the edges clean and sharp.
Step 7
The finished painting with amazing reflections.
