Reflections

The use of reflection in illustrations adds drama to a project that is shown adjacent to a body of water, be it the ocean, lake or swimming pool. Reflections also help to glamorize the water feature adding sparkle and color.

This example shows an elaborate reflection

that picks up on the building details

This looser rendering shows a simpler reflection just picking up on the darkness of the building shape above.

This renderings just shows a few simple reflections of the building and tall trees.

In this BW sketch I added just a few simple lines in the water to give the illusion of reflection.

As shown in the above examples you can add the element of reflection from simple to detailed and either way works to improve the composition.

The following lessons will help you to understand now buildings reflect into a surface of water.

Let's think of water surface as if it were a mirror. The building example below is not sitting on the mirror surface so let's pretend the ground is a mirror as well.

The building lines marked A, B & C will reflect starting where they touch the mirror surface and their reflected heights will be the same as above. As you notice I show dash lines on the ground because these will go away later.

Now I finish drawing the top of the building using the same vanishing points as the building above.

I have now added some architectural details the building.

Using the same procedure as in the above examples, I start to draw these elements reflecting in the mirror starting with the columns and parapet roof. Work a section at a time transferring your height lines.

I finish the arched window completing the reflected image.

I next add shadows and reflect those as well.

When water is affected by a breeze, the reflections start to break up and fade away as in this example. The line work starts to get wavy to indicate this movement.

Finally I add some trees and reflect them as well.

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