How to color Water
Table of Contents
Sometimes you finish coloring the water and....it still doesnβt feel like water. Not bad, just a little off.Β
Thatβs usually when people start wondering how to color water in a way that actually feels right. And there are a few simple ways to approach it, depending on the kind of page youβre coloring.Β
Tools We Reached For
1. Ohuhu Markers
- Water Waves: B030, B120, B140, PB2Β
- Rippling Water: R13, B340,Β
- Reflecting Water: YR111, YR240, R112Β
- Underwater: B290, B120, B030Β
Β 2. Guangna Acrylic MarkersΒ
- Water Waves: 600Β
- Rippling Water: 608, 600, 703Β
- Reflecting Water: 626, 600Β
- Underwater: 823, 618, 600, 719Β
Water WavesΒ
Water waves are basically those chunky, rhythmic curves that give your page that classic moving ocean vibe. They've got those stylized peaks and little frothy edges that make the sea look like itβs actually crashing.
Rippling WaterΒ
Rippling water usually features those soft, concentric circles or delicate broken lines that keep a quiet pond from looking like a flat block of blue.
Reflecting Water
Reflecting WaterΒ happens when sunlight reflects on the water, creating a soft glowing effect.
It is easily spotted by those soft halos and shimmering flecks that make the water appear to be holding its own light, especially in those dreamy or starlight scenes.
Underwater Β
WhenΒ you'reΒ coloring underwater scenes, the whole goal is to make it feel likeΒ you'reΒ literally divingΒ into the page. You can spot this look instantly by those soft light shafts cutting through the blue and little clusters of bubbles that make everything feel deep and immersive.
FAQs
Why does my water always look like a flat blue wall?
It usually happens when we use just one shade. Water is a mirror, not a solid object. Try leaving some white spaces for highlights and layering at least three tones: light, medium, and dark to create that natural fluid depth.
How to Color Pool Water?
- Step 1: Color first layer (B030)
- Step 2: Draw the reflected grid (Use colored pencil)
- Step 3: Color random sections (PB7, B110)
- Step 4: Cover the lines (Use white gel pen)
- Step 5: Draw light reflection (Use white gel pen)
And youβre done. For a closer look at each step, you can check out the full tutorial How to Color Pool Water guide from CocoWyo.
How can I get a smooth transition between blues?
Start with very light pressure and build your layers slowly. To master how to blend water, use small circular motions to transition from your deepest shadows into your lightest tints, allowing the pigments to melt together for a glassy, seamless finish.
Can I use a white gel pen for water highlights?
Absolutely. A gel pen is perfect for crisp details like water ripples or sea foam. Just use it sparingly at the very end to suggest sparkling sunlight hitting the crest of a wave.
How do I make water look transparent instead of solid?
The trick is "less is more." Use very light pressure and let the background colors (like sand or rocks) show through a thin veil of pale blue or mint. It creates that "see-through" tropical vibe effortlessly.
How can I add depth without making the page look messy?
The secret is focusing on the water effect in coloring by leaving tiny gaps of white between your strokes. Instead of covering everything, let the paper peak through to mimic dancing light, which keeps the water looking crisp and professional rather than muddy.
How can I make sea foam look bouncy and alive?
What can I do to make a character look underwater?
