You might not know that Phoenix has canals full of water and edged by trails that people walk along for exercise and enjoyment. This is a section near Brophy Chapel and this sketch shows its reflection in the Grand Canal just after sunset. This sketch is unusual for me in that there are no people in it. It provided lots of challenges, particularly the reflection. After several sketches this is what I have to show. I would like to return to this subject again and continue to improve it.
I used a photo I took for reference, sketched in pencil, and then put down watercolor. I needed more contrast for the reflection so I used colored pencil to strengthen the color and add texture.
Deliberate Sketching 
That is beautiful. I wish the San Diego river looked half as good
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you Bev. I will have to go sketch the San Diego River so I can see what I think.
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I love the sharp brightness of the reflection compared to the darker looking sky and hills we see in the background. It’s a nice peak into the world outside the frame.
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Thank you Tara. While I worked on this one I was thinking of you. I remembered that once when we were camping at Yosemite that you suggested I sketch the reflection of mountains and trees in a creek. I thought it would be too hard to even attempt.
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Guess you proved yourself wrong 😉
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