1. Consider the shapes of liquids and water
Liquids and water do not have a fixed shape and change shape when placed in a container or when flowing.
Puddles and droplets are usually round, but flowing water takes on an elongated, irregular shape.
First, imagine the liquid scene you want to draw (a glass of water, a wave, a drop, etc.) and use a rough sketch to get the shape.
2. Techniques for expressing water transparency
When painting water or other transparent liquids, the key is how to express transparency.
Water is transparent, so be sure to make what's underneath slightly visible when you draw it.
Don't draw the lines too thickly, use light colors or light blue to create a sense of transparency. Also, by reflecting some of the surrounding colors, it looks more realistic.
3. Consider light reflection and shadows
Water reflects light, so use highlights to represent the light.
Use light grays and blues underwater and in shadows to create depth and darkness. The balanced use of highlights and shadows creates a three-dimensional effect in the water.
4. How to draw flowing water
When drawing flowing water, use irregular shapes to express movement. Note that when water moves, it also affects the surrounding air.
5. Use gradients to express depth
Water has depth and volume, and its color changes accordingly.
Shallow water has a light blue or almost transparent color, while deeper water has a dark blue or dark color.
Use gradients to express color transitions from light to dark areas. This will show the thickness and transparency of the water.
Summary
Transparency, light reflection, shadows, and motion are important for painting liquids and water.
You can create a realistic representation of water by using light colors to create transparency and using highlights and shadows in a balanced way.
Additionally, if you pay attention to the movement and depth of the water as you paint, you'll end up with more natural and vivid liquid paintings.
With lots of painting and practice, you will be able to create various representations of water.