Posted on April 25, 2022 (Updated on July 28, 2025)

How do you draw a mirror reflection?

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Seeing Double: A Human’s Guide to Drawing Killer Mirror Reflections

Reflections! They’re not just for gazing at your own mug; they’re a fantastic way to inject depth and a touch of magic into your artwork. Whether it’s the shimmer on water, the gleam on metal, or the perfect image staring back from a mirror, nailing reflections can seriously up your art game. So, how do you do it? Let’s dive in, shall we?

Getting the Basics Down

Before you even think about picking up a pencil, you gotta understand the science-y stuff – light! When light hits something, it bounces. Simple, right? The key is the law of reflection: the angle the light comes in at is the same angle it bounces off. Think of it like a perfectly aimed pool shot. This is the golden rule that dictates how reflections look and behave. Get this, and you’re halfway there.

Tricks of the Trade: Drawing Reflections That Pop

Okay, time for the good stuff – the actual drawing. Here are some tried-and-true techniques I’ve picked up over the years:

  • Perspective is Your Friend (Usually): Reflections play by the rules of perspective, mostly. But here’s a pro tip: don’t force it! I’ve seen so many artists try to make water reflections converge like train tracks, and it just looks…wrong. Water often goes straight down. Shiny buildings? They’ve got their own vanishing points, and their reflections will have a whole other set, often at right angles. Keep it real.
  • Distance Matters: Imagine a line from your object to the mirror. The reflection will be the same distance on the other side. Think of it as an echo – same distance, just flipped.
  • Flip It!: This is the no-brainer: reflections are inverted. Vertically flip whatever you’re reflecting. Easy peasy.
  • Value is King (and Queen): Reflections are usually softer than the real deal. Less contrast. Darks get lighter, lights get darker. It’s like the reflection is whispering instead of shouting. Play with those values – go from pure white to pure black – to create depth.
  • Color Me Confused (Not Really): Don’t just paint the reflective surface’s color! A silver ball reflects everything around it. It’s a chameleon. The color of the reflection depends on both the object and the surface.
  • Edge Control: Sharpness is key. Smooth surface = crisp reflection. Rough surface = blurry mess. Think about a still lake versus a choppy sea. The cleaner the surface, the sharper those highlights.
  • Texture, Texture, Texture: Shiny is smooth, textured is…well, textured! Use different marks to show the surface. Hatching, stippling, whatever works.
  • Embrace the Wiggle: Let’s be honest, nothing is perfectly reflected. Curves, ripples, you name it – they all distort. Transparent surfaces mess with things too. It’s these imperfections that make it real.

    • Oops! Common Reflection Faux Pas

    We’ve all been there. Here’s what to watch out for:

  • Perspective Overkill: Seriously, I can’t stress this enough. Don’t force perspective where it doesn’t belong.
  • Shadow Blindness: Ignoring light and shadow is a reflection killer. It flattens everything. Always hint at a light source.
  • Heavy Handedness: Don’t go all dark and bold right away. Keep your lines light and sketchy at first. You’ll need to adjust.
  • Symmetry Obsession: Reflections are never perfectly symmetrical. Add some wobble, some variation.
  • Flying Blind: No reference? Big mistake. Use photos! They’ll save you from perspective disasters and detail fails.

    • Reflections by Surface: A Mini-Guide

    • Water: Flat and horizontal, usually. Horizontal strokes are your friend. Smooth water? Easy. Choppy water? Good luck (and lots of patience).
    • Mirrors: Pretty straightforward. Clear reflections, minimal distortion. The reflection is the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front.
    • Glass: Tricky! It’s reflection and transparency. Think about what’s behind the glass, too.
    • Curves: Funky town! Curved surfaces (like shiny Christmas ornaments) warp the image. The distortion follows the curve.

    Pro Tips for Reflection Ninjas

    • Become an Observer: Stare at real reflections. How does light play? How do surfaces distort?
    • Reference is Your Rock: Use photos. Seriously.
    • Light Touch First: Sketch lightly, build slowly.
    • Experiment!: Try different surfaces, different light.
    • Simplify and Conquer: Break down complex surfaces. Get the basic shape right, then add the fancy stuff.

    Drawing reflections is tough, no doubt. But with a little know-how and a lot of practice, you’ll be creating reflections that are so real, people will want to dive right in. Happy drawing!

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