How to Paint a Pool Reflection
Swimming pools symbolize summer and relaxation. To paint a pool's reflection, you must observe real water. Then, add subtle details to your painting of things around your painted pool.
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Instructions
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Observe a real swimming pool. The best way to paint a reflection realistically is to use your observation skills. Work on your painting outside if you can, or use a photograph to help you.
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Draw a ball floating on the surface of a swimming pool in your painting. It should be a spherical object, with about a quarter of an inch of the bottom submerged in the water.
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Draw a crescent shape around the base of the ball, in the water. This will be its reflection.
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Paint the ball. Use a thin layer. Keep the colors aside to paint the reflection later. Paint the pool with a single light blue color.
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Mix the paint you used for the ball with a little white and paint a squat mirror image of the ball in its reflection. Add a blue to the paint you used for the ball to paint the submerged area of the ball. Wait for it to dry.
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Brush a thin coat of the light blue you used to paint the pool over the ball's reflection and area that it is submerged in the water. Add tones, or shadows and highlights, and other details to your painting.
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Tips & Warnings
Experiment with different objects reflecting in your pool paintings. This method should work for acrylic and watercolor paints, which dry faster than oil paints.
Be careful not to smudge your painting with the side of your hand.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit pool image by jeancliclac from Fotolia.com
