Fountain Design Essentials – Welcome to Fountain Lights
Fountain Design Essentials – Welcome to Fountain Lights
As a passionate photographer and lighting enthusiast, I’ve always been captivated by the way light interacts with water. There’s something truly mesmerizing about the way it dances and reflects, transforming even the most ordinary body of water into a mesmerizing, ever-changing canvas. And when you introduce carefully designed lighting into the mix, the results can be truly breathtaking.
Let’s start by diving a little deeper into the science behind water reflections. As it turns out, Leonardo da Vinci was spot on when he said that “water is the driving force of all nature.” Water has this incredible ability to absorb and reflect light in ways that can completely transform a scene.
One of the key principles to understand is that reflections are often darker than the objects they mirror. This is because the water is essentially acting like a mirror, absorbing and then reflecting back a portion of the light. You can see this in action in a photograph from Alberta, Canada, where the reflected sky appears noticeably darker than the actual sky above. The same concept applies to a cityscape in Indianapolis, where the reflected building on the canal looks richer and more vibrant than the real thing.
But here’s the thing – art isn’t just about following the rules. Sometimes, breaking the mold can lead to truly stunning results. Take the work of artist Michael O’Toole, for example, where the water reflection appears lighter than the actual scene. This creates a more inviting, captivating pathway for the viewer’s eye, enhancing the overall impact of the painting.
Another fascinating aspect of water is the way it interacts with different colors. We often associate water with the color blue, and for good reason – water does tend to absorb more of the red and yellow wavelengths, reflecting back the cooler blues. But water is so much more than just one shade of blue.
If you take a close look at photographs, you’ll see water can range in color from silvery grays to vibrant oranges and even light yellowish-greens. Min Ma’s painting is a perfect example, with a variety of colors dancing across the water’s surface. And in Anna Althea Hills’ artwork, subtle shades of blue, green, and even violet add remarkable depth and dimension.
The lesson here is to not limit yourself to just blue when it comes to painting or capturing water. Exploring other colors and hues can add a level of interest and complexity that takes your work to new heights. Just look at the warm, peachy tones in Edgar Payne’s depictions of water – a truly stunning departure from the expected.
But water’s magic doesn’t stop there. It also has this incredible ability to allow us to see both the reflections on the surface and, in some cases, what lies beneath. Robert Genn’s painting is a brilliant example of this balance between reflection and transparency, capturing the interplay of light and depth in a captivating way.
To summarize the key points:
* Reflections are generally darker than the reflected objects
* Water is more than just blue – it can encompass a wide range of colors
* Water can be both reflective and translucent, allowing us to glimpse what lies beneath the surface
The challenge in mastering these water-based techniques lies in careful observation and a willingness to adapt. There are no hard and fast rules – it’s all about understanding the principles and then applying them in a way that serves your unique artistic vision.
So, how do we take these water-based concepts and put them into practice? Well, one of the best ways is to start by copying the work of the masters. And that’s exactly what I’m going to walk you through today, using the stunning paintings of Jack Wilkinson Smith as our guide.
Smith’s compositions are dynamic and full of energy, with crashing waves that immediately draw the eye. To capture this effect, I like to start with a paint marker for the initial sketch. The color of the marker doesn’t matter too much, as long as it’s acrylic-based so it can be easily layered over with paint.
As I’m sketching, I’m paying close attention to the composition, making sure that the viewer’s eye is drawn to the same focal point as in the original. I’ve identified the area with the rocks and the big wave as the key point of interest, so I’ll need to ensure that the water and the rocks next to it have enough contrast to really make that area pop.
Once the initial sketch is laid out, I’ll start painting over it, focusing on the darker areas to add more depth and dimension. I’ll use a mix of warm blacks, reds, and lighter grays to create these shadows and highlights, making sure they’re still visible even after I apply the overall tone to the canvas.
Speaking of toning the canvas, I like to use a warm, transparent color like Quinacridone gold for this step. Not only does it help unify the painting, but it also allows the initial sketch and the darker areas I’ve painted to still be visible, giving me a great starting point for the next phase.
Now, it’s time to tackle the water itself. We’ll start by mixing the initial colors we observe – the blue of the water and the slightly greenish tones that help it feel more alive and vibrant. As we move further into the painting, we’ll adjust the values, making the water darker and more intense towards the bottom of the canvas, where it’s reflecting the sky above.
It’s important to remember that water reflects the colors around it, so we’ll need to subtly incorporate those warmer tones as well. A hint of Cadmium orange mixed into our blue-green blend can create that beautiful warmth we see in the waves.
And speaking of waves, let’s not forget to add that frothy, sunlit white to really make them pop. The contrast of that bright white against the darker elements of the scene is what brings the water to life and makes it feel truly dynamic.
With the water taken care of, let’s turn our attention to the rocks in the scene. We’ll start by filling in the lighter areas, leaving some space for the cracks and crevices. And don’t forget about those shadows – those deeper, more violet or blue-toned shadows can create a wonderful sense of depth and distance, almost like the water has splashed up onto the rocks, glistening in the shadows.
The key throughout this entire process is to keep observing, to squint your eyes and evaluate the values and colors, and to be willing to adjust and adapt as needed. Painting water isn’t about just copying an image – it’s about creating something that feels alive and vibrant, something that captures the essence of the scene in a way that truly resonates with the viewer.
As I look at the final result of my painting, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride. While it may not be a perfect recreation of the original, I believe I’ve managed to capture the essence of Jack Wilkinson Smith’s stunning work. And that, to me, is the true mark of success.
Of course, I have to keep in mind that the original painting was probably a bit larger than the 12×16 canvas I’m working on, so certain details and nuances that Smith was able to include may have been a bit more challenging for me to replicate. But that’s all part of the artistic journey – constantly learning, adapting, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
And speaking of that artistic journey, let’s dive into some additional techniques that can help you take your water-based paintings to the next level.
One of the most powerful techniques for creating a sense of depth and realism in your water-based paintings is mastering the art of reflections. For this practice session, let’s imagine a calm lake or serene bay with a few sailboats moored in the water.
As I reference a morning scene I captured during a Plein Air competition, I’m reminded that the key to painting reflections is to focus on capturing the essence, rather than trying to create a perfect mirror image. Those little squiggly lines, subtle color variations, and the slightly broken edges of the reflection all contribute to the feeling of a believable water surface.
Another technique that can really elevate your water-based paintings is incorporating gradations. This works particularly well when you’re painting larger bodies of water or streams that recede into the distance towards the horizon line. On a clear, sunny day, the water often appears deeper and darker at the bottom of your field of view, gradually becoming lighter as it nears the horizon. This effect is due to the water reflecting the sky, where the darker sky above is reflected in the deeper, darker water, and the lighter sky near the horizon is reflected in the lighter water.
Mastering these two techniques – creating reflections and incorporating gradations – can be a game-changer when it comes to enhancing the realism and depth of your water-based paintings.
Now, let me share with you a scene that holds a particularly special place in my heart. It was a picturesque moment I stumbled upon last summer while driving near our neighborhood lake. The sun, positioned behind me, cast a radiant glow upon the houses across the lake, creating a breathtaking reflection on the water’s surface. Instantly captivated by the beauty, I parked my car and snapped a photo with my phone, knowing it would make an excellent subject for a painting lesson.
This particular image offers us a mix of familiar and new challenges when it comes to painting water. Not only do we have the serene, calm body of water, but we also have intermittent ripples and patches of debris and algae – unique elements that provide an exciting opportunity to expand our understanding and technique.
As we dive into this project, I encourage you to embrace the journey, experiment, and have fun. Remember, I too face challenges and strive to do my best, just like you. The beauty of the creative process is that it’s a never-ending adventure, full of opportunities to learn, grow, and explore.
Let’s begin by using a paint pen to mark the areas where we’ll be focused. The horizon line rests slightly above the halfway point, with the highest point of the water on the right side of the canvas, extending quite far and gradually stepping downward as we move to the left. And don’t forget about that patch of grass protruding into the water – an element that adds both interest and a sense of depth to the scene.
As we proceed, keep in mind that the play of light and shadow is crucial here. The unique lighting conditions during the moment I captured the photograph allowed the sunlight to break through the clouds, casting a remarkable interplay of light and shadow on the treetops while leaving the bottom parts in darkness. Take your time with the drawing phase, and don’t worry too much about the details of the houses. If you prefer, you can even substitute them with trees or other elements to simplify the composition.
One thing to keep in mind is that reflections possess a symmetrical quality, so it’s crucial to align the reflections beneath trees and other objects accordingly. Reflective symmetry enhances the overall visual harmony, so it’s preferable to take your time with this step than to have the elements appear misaligned later on.
The last aspect of planning this scene that I’d like to draw your attention to is the importance of maintaining consistent distance for the reflections. Since I captured the photograph while standing close to the water’s edge, the reflection’s distance is proportional throughout. Therefore, it’s necessary to extend the reflection of the tree, for example, all the way down, allowing ample space for other elements to be incorporated.
As we progress, I’ll begin filling in areas with darker tones using a slightly larger brush. The specific color at this stage isn’t as crucial as the values we’re striving to capture. In this painting, the values are intense, with the reflections appearing darker than the objects above. Pay close attention to this observation and adjust your colors accordingly. This process is what allows us to refine our understanding of values and capture the essence of the scene.
One of my talented artist friends from Indiana suggested the idea of connecting a dark path from one edge of the painting to the other. By doing so, the painting gains a unifying element, enhancing its overall design and cohesiveness. This suggestion profoundly impacted my artistic journey and reminded me that it’s important to keep learning from other artists.
There’s an interesting interplay of colors and values happening throughout the composition. As I work, I’ll introduce a bit of yellow, transforming the dark hue into a greenish tone. Although much of this initial layer will be covered in subsequent steps, it’s beneficial to establish a foundation aligned with the overall color scheme. Feel free to make adjustments or introduce your own variations to suit your artistic vision.
As we continue, remember that artistry is a perpetual quest. There will always be something new to learn, discover, and refine. Harley Brown, an artist I greatly admire, eloquently described this journey as one that keeps us “forever youthful as perpetual students.” The challenges and constant opportunities for growth infuse our artistic endeavors with vitality. We are companions on this creative journey, learning and evolving at different paces. Ultimately, it’s not solely about the final artwork, but rather the shared experiences, growth, and joy we find in the process.
Now, let’s resume our painting session by filling in more areas with color. Gradually, we’ll refine our composition, paying attention to values and incorporating the various elements that make this scene so captivating. Feel free to explore at your own pace and in your own style. My main mission is to help you understand the underlying concepts and techniques.
Let’s continue by introducing some ripple effects into our water scene. I’m going to use grey to portray the disturbed parts of the water. This won’t be too detailed – think of it as scratching on a bit of texture. While I am working through this swiftly, feel free to spend more time on it. Sometimes, less is more, so don’t worry if you make a mark that feels too big.
The next step in our process is to add a wash or glaze over our painting. This helps to establish a harmonious color balance. I’ll be using a cool Ultramarine blue for the upper sections of the sky and clouds, and a warm Quinacridone gold for the middle area where the sun is most vibrant. This approach of using contrasting colors will highlight the cooler and warmer areas of our scene. After applying the wash, take a moment to dry your painting thoroughly before proceeding.
As we move on to refine the details, we’ll start from the top down. The idea here is to capture the warmth and color in the trees, then mirror that in the reflection on the water. While capturing reflections, aim for a slightly blurred or softened appearance to distinguish it from the actual object. Don’t stress about getting every detail in there – sometimes a more abstract approach can convey the essence more effectively.
When painting buildings or other architectural elements, you can use warmer shades for rooftops and lighter tones for walls, creating an impression of the warm late-afternoon sun. Here again, aim for an abstract representation that communicates the essence of the scene.
The final steps before moving onto the water and reflections below is to define the edge where the land meets the water and to add some opaque color into the sky to represent clouds. The edge of the water is generally quite dark due to shadowing. Creating this contrast can further enhance the realism of your painting. With the clouds, we want to imbue a warm glow. This process may result in trimming a bit off the trees, and that’s okay. Let a tiny bit of the sky’s blue peek through, and don’t shy away from introducing a lighter hue in the background for added intrigue.
Now, let’s work with a color slightly darker and richer than the white above for the reflection of the houses. This hue should be somewhat orange and stretch across in vertical streaks. The reflection isn’t a pure mirror image, but rather an abstraction. Some parts, especially those with ripples or other disturbances, might not show the reflection clearly. By maintaining the line and reflections on either side of it, we can suggest the presence of water.
As we finish off this painting, grab your sky color and use it as your main water color. Mix more blue and white into some areas for variation. Aim for soft edges and subtlety – you don’t want to be heavy-handed with your brushwork. Using the sky color will not only create color harmony within the painting, but it will also create believable reflections.
All of these small details will start to weave together, giving your painting a convincing water-like appearance. Even at this rough stage, you’ll begin to discern the reflections – the vibrant and strong reflections of the warm, reflected light from the houses, and the bluer, rippled reflections. There’s always more you can do in a painting, but as you progress, you should be able to capture the feel of your scene.
The last steps would be to brighten the areas of the strongest light and incorporate more of these into your composition. Your painting journey is all about capturing the essence and creating a visual narrative that speaks to you. This painting endeavor is an exciting journey, a fun experiment of creating your own masterpiece. Now, it’s your turn to put these insights into practice. Keep perfecting your art, and we’ll explore more in the next lesson. Thank you for joining me on this adventure, and I look forward to seeing you again soon!
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