Drawing lessons - illustrated lesson notes for teachers and students

rivers_lakes_and ponds

5-2 RIVERS, LAKES AND PONDS

Robin wrote:

'I've been studying other works and trying to achieve something in the way of great depth to

water scenes via mulitple layers of thin paint ... mostly transparent due to being so severely

diluted with Linseed Oil. It's not quite there, so I'm now thinking of using Marine Varnish, but if

that doesn't work, I'll have to trash the whole thing.!)'

Don't despair for this is not necessarily a matter of glazes, although they may help in certain

instances. If you want to paint something behind something else, you might consider painting

exactly that. Depth is achieved in the logical mind of the observer, assisted by the artist

providing all the necessary information (clues). This is also demonstrated in my lesson on

waves.

Clear water has no color so it cannot be painted. All that can

be painted is what is under it, over it,standing in it, or what

is reflected upon its surface. After all those things are

painted then the water will magically appear.

Some reflections will prevent the transparency ....

Some will assist ....

Some will describe the nature of the surface...

To achieve great depth in water scenes you will need to paint in a

number of layers simeltaneously.

1. The bottom of the lake or water


2. The reflected sky overhead. A little darker than it is.


3. Reflected vegetation from around the shore


4. Perhaps some lilly pads or something else on the surface. Leave a

part where the viewer can see to the bottom.

This 'demonstration painting' provides the simplest of examples. Construct it yourself as it will

only take moments.

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