Painting water can be both challenging and rewarding, as it involves capturing the interplay of light and movement. To create realistic water reflections, start by closely observing your subject. Notice how light bounces off the surface, creating shimmering highlights. For your palette, choose a range of blues, greens, and sometimes muted earthy tones, depending on the water's depth and surrounding environment.

Begin by laying down a base layer of the water's colour, using broad brush strokes to create a smooth foundation. As you add depth, incorporate varying shades to depict ripples and little waves. A flat brush works well for capturing the gentle undulations of the water's surface. With a clean, dry brush, lightly drag the paint in the direction of the wave to simulate movement.

To illustrate reflections, paint the shapes and colours of the objects nearby, such as trees or buildings, directly onto the water's surface. Use soft, slightly blurred strokes to evoke the distortion caused by the water’s surface. Remember to work from dark to light; adding highlights at the crest of the waves can enhance the illusion of movement. Finally, for ripples, utilise a fine brush to create delicate lines that mimic the gentle disturbances in the water, ensuring to vary their length and intensity for a more natural feel.

By practising these techniques and observing the nuances of real water, you’ll find yourself capturing its beauty on canvas with newfound confidence.