Before painting the waterdrop, observe the reaction of water on the plant surface. Different surfaces hold different shaped drops and some surfaces repel water so no drops form.

Think about suitability. Some flowers and leaves are not associated with waterdrops, while others such as camellias or roses are often represented with drops.

Outline the droplet shape in a darker colour to the surface area. If painting a droplet on a leaf (for example), the outline will be a darker shade of green than the leaf. The addition of a minute amount of Paynes Grey or Indigo Blue to the green is useful.

To outline the drop, use a very fine brush to paint a thin, even line. The use of a magnifying glass at this stage is helpful.

Paint the shadow colour. This is what makes the drop appear rounded and not flat.

Using the droplet examples above, paint the upper section in a darker surface colour. Paint the lower section in White (gouache or Titanium white).

Blend the edges of the upper and lower sections and allow the subject surface colour to remain the centre section.

Add a small dot of White for the circular reflection in the upper section.