9007 Shallow Water
Jerry Yarnell – Inspiration of Painting PBS Television Series

A peaceful winter stream reveals its shallow, crystal-clear water as it flows gently through snow-covered banks and a quiet stand of slender trees in the background. In this beginner level acrylic painting lesson, Jerry guides you step-by-step through creating this serene scene in a 90 minute session on an 18x24 canvas, focusing on transparency, reflection, and subtle color variation beneath the water’s surface.

You’ll learn how to create the illusion of shallow water by painting rocks and riverbed details beneath the surface, then layering transparent color to achieve depth and realism. Jerry demonstrates how to block in major shapes first, then refine them with controlled brushwork to maintain clarity and balance.

Special focus is given to painting reflections, subtle ripples, and soft edges that suggest movement without overpowering the calm nature of the scene. You’ll also explore how to paint snow textures and distant trees using gentle blending and atmospheric techniques.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll gain confidence in painting transparent water, handling layered color, and creating depth through value and atmosphere. This is an excellent project for beginners looking to develop their skills while producing a calm and visually engaging winter landscape.