2. Paint wet-in-wet within the reflections but rarely where the reflection meets the sunlight.

3. For distant water on the horizon, try moist Antwerp blue or peacock blue (Holbein). Sometimes I use ultramarine violet if the horizon line of the sea seems very dark.

4. In shallow water, use diluted Antwerp blue, peacock blue or Winsor blue. These are all transparent blues that retain their color identity when diluted.

5. Sometimes water near the shore can turn a delicate turquoise green. You can add turquoise green to your palette, or simply mix diluted cadmium yellow pale or lemon yellow with one of the diluted blues to achieve the same color.


For more painting tips from Charles Reid, check out:

• the cover story in the August 2009 issue of Watercolor Artist (magazine)
• Charles Reid's Watercolor Solutions (book)
• Watercolor Secrets with Charles Reid (online video workshop)