Reflections
Reflection can be explored in many different ways, both visually and emotionally
You might choose a literal interpretation - the reflection of scenery in a lake, a quiet canal, or even the reflection of the sun and sky on the sea. Think about how water acts like a mirror, capturing the world above it, sometimes in the most unexpected places too, like surface water left behind on a beach after the tide has gone out, a rain-soaked street, or something much smaller, like a simple puddle discovered on a walk.
Of course, reflection doesn’t have to involve water, it can be found in things around us - a mirror, window, metallic object, in fact any reflective surface that distorts, fragments, or alters what we see.
You may decide to interpret reflection in a more emotional or conceptual way. Consider the idea of reflection as thought, memory, or self-awareness, perhaps expressed through a portrait, is there a story to tell, from the way you can depict a figure. If this theme sparks your interest, take some time to sit quietly with a coffee and your sketchbook. Doodle freely, jot down ideas, and see where your thoughts take you. Flick through books and magazines, or see what a Google search shows...explore the different visual interpretations “reflection” reveals, then follow those threads to help you create your next work of art.
Things to consider...
So what do you think of when you hear the word 'reflection' …water, mirrors, shiny objects, glass, or something more deep and meaningful like a thought process...
Let your ideas flow - you may have something that comes to mind immediately or you may just enjoy the process of playing and investigation.
Whatever you decide I hope this has given you a spark of an idea to follow - and if you'd like to share your finished pieces with me, then please do...I’d love to see them.
How could you capture it in a drawing or painting?
Which materials would be most useful to you?
What techniques could help you achieve the effect you want?
Do you want your picture to be a realistic interpretation or something more expressive or abstract?
Is it a daytime scene or something at night where you can play with light and colour?
How could you investigate these processes, could this develop into a series of paintings or be a sketchbook full of experimentation?
Please note: when using reference images, be mindful of copyright. Websites such as Pixabay and Unsplash offer royalty-free images that are safe to use. You might also discover that your own photographs provide the most meaningful and personal starting point.
Colour Palette Inspiration
Colours aren’t just paint on a palette...they’re often moods, places, seasons or even a new painting waiting to be discovered. Think of them as a ‘cast of characters' for your painting. Each colour with its own personality - some bold commanding attention, others quiet and more muted, offering you a softer, more gentle feel. Some will allow smooth transitions between colours, others will give you light and on the opposite side of things, give you shadows and contrast.
3 Ways to Play: choose one or all to experiment with...
Colour Mixing • begin by simply trying to mix and match the colours you see. Notice which colour you start with and which ones you add to change it. What combinations are you creating...what will lighten or darken them. This is such great practice, helping to train your eyes, improve your knowledge, and build skills for identifying and choosing the colours you need.
Use the Photo Reference • Use the colour palette and reference photo provided, paint your own version of the scene in whichever medium you feel comfortable with - watercolour; acrylics or pastels...it doesn’t matter, just have fun.
Imaginative Play • Look at the colours only and let the palette guide you. If it feels cool and watery to you, maybe you’ll create a seascape. If it’s warm and glowing, perhaps it suggests a sunset or a vase of vibrant flowers - the choice is yours.
The important part is that your painting should belong to this colour family. Try to stay with them and see how they shape your colour mixing and your ideas, but feel free to add white to your palette if needed to lighten shades.
Explore what these colours mean to you, do they remind you of a particular landscape, a place you’ve been, a person or a scene around your home
Canal Bridge
Water Lily
Girl Portrait