How to Color Water

Water is a beautiful and dynamic element in coloring, adding depth and realism to any scene. If you want to create a soft, flowing water effect with reflections and waves, this tutorial is for you!

We’ll be using a page from the Cottage Vibes Coloring Book by Southern Lotus Coloring, which features charming countryside scenes and nature-inspired illustrations. Follow along and bring your water background to life with Ohuhu Markers!

Materials You’ll Need:

- Ohuhu Markers (G020, MG020, G120, G420, BG5, BG7)

- White Acrylic Pen

- A coloring page from Cottage Vibes Coloring Book by Southern Lotus

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Base Color for Water

Start by coloring random triangle-like splashes with G020. These shapes will create the illusion of light reflecting off the water’s surface.

Step 2: Adding Depth

Next, use MG020 to fill in the spaces next to the first layer. This will create movement and a soft water flow effect.

Step 3: Layering the Tones

Continue the layering process using G120, G420, and BG5, repeating Step 2 until all spaces are covered. This step helps create a rich gradient for the water.

Step 4: Adding Shadows

Use BG7 to color reflections and shadows on the water surface. This step enhances the depth and realism of your water scene.

Step 5: Refining the Waves

Go back over the coloring with the same marker shades from above to add another layer of depth. Repeat all the steps to refine the tones.

Step 6: Creating Water Ripples

With BG5, draw short, curved lines across the surface to create the illusion of gentle water waves.

Step 7: Adding Highlights

Use a white acrylic pen to add highlights along the waves and ripples. This final step gives your water a realistic shimmer.

Final Result

You’ve successfully created a soft, flowing water effect! This technique works great for coloring rivers, lakes, and even ocean scenes.

For more step-by-step tutorials, visit Instagram Southern Lotus Coloring to watch detailed video guides.