The dead leaves on the canal form an almost continuous carpet in places, so that you only have hints of the reflection. This works well in canal scenes like this. It is interesting to have duckweed or leaves floating on the surface of the water to break it all up. On the far left the underside of the foliage is very dark and that is what is reflected in the water. This can be deceptive because when you look at the tree or bush causing the reflection you are seeing the exposed foliage that is light not the underside of the foliage causing the reflection, which is dark. Observation is the key, look hard at the reflection, not what is causing it.

'Autumn Tints on the Abergavenny to Brecon Canal'
watercolour by David Bellamy

This month's tip comes from David's latest slide presentation on DVD,
'Painting Water in Watercolour'

Available for purchase now at only £10.00
click here for more details