Southwest Harbor Dinghies Reflections
Watercolor Painting Tutorial

This painting is the first in a series about painting reflections. We're starting with a mirrored glass surface with no visible ripples to add complication.

To see the lesson on painting reflections on water, please click here.

With a very clear reflection, all you have to remember is

Reflections always come directly toward the viewer.

When I think about reflections, I think about boats and water. And when I think about boats and water, I think about Maine. Some of the most beautiful boats in the world are found in Southwest Harbor, Maine.

My husband and I have been coming to this vantage point over the docks for years whenever we're in Maine. We drink our coffee, eat blueberry scones from Little Notch Bakery, and sketch a little in the morning. It's our favorite breakfast place by far!

I've sketched this view in all (summer) weathers. Choppy water and overcast to mirror bright. It's endlessly fascinating because I never know what I'll see. It might be a beautiful wooden boat to a utilitarian fiberglass dinghy. Today, the boats were the usual mix. I actually rather like the white painted boats because the shadows are so beautiful on white.

I chose a landscape proportion of 8" x 18" for this painting. I wanted the mirrored string of reflections to be the focus, not the foreground or background. So I narrowed the frame.

Generally, with water moving, you see interesting reflections on the boats. Little squiggling shots of light on the hulls are wonderful to paint! However, with still water, you'll see more subtle reflections from the water on to the boats.

I kept this painting for over my mantle to remind me of the gorgeous mornings I've spent there.