“Water Moon”

“(Chinese: 镜花水月), literally "Water Moon", is an East Asian phrase, meaning something that can be seen but not touched, like the moon reflected on the water's surface; something that is beautiful but unattainable dreams, a mirage.” - Wikipedia

The original sketch

This artwork is inspired by James R. Eads, a Los Angeles-based surrealist impressionist. I discovered one of his works on Pinterest and I really wanted to recreate it, in my own style. I think the idea is very nice, a moon lying in the water under a boat. The sketch is very rough, just for the purpose of finding the right pictures, so I can pay attention to light/shadow and the perspective in the pictures.

Matching pictures

The next step was to find the right pictures. In this work of art the boat was especially important. It should fit from the lighting conditions and perspective. After I found the right picture it had to be modified. I retouched the house in the background, because it was of no significance in this work of art. I drew the shape of the moon and overlaid it with the structure from a photograph. Then I darkened the sky to create contrast.

Colors and atmosphere

Then it was about the colours and the atmosphere. I wanted to let the moon shine in a warm light and painted a yellow-red colour layer over the moon and the reflection in the water. Then I painted some particles next to the moon's tip to make the scene look a bit more realistic. I made the dark colors/shadows in the picture a bit lighter. Then I was satisfied. I hope you like the artwork.