How to paint water etc...

When painting water, paint what’s under the surface first (mud/rocks) and then
paint the water colour on top.

Draw the skeleton of trees to get the general shape and character and then add the
leaves. Remember to leave “sky holes.”

Using hard and soft (lost/found) edges in a painting will help create the three
dimensional illusion to all paintings, no matter what the subject. Edges closest
to the front should be sharply defined and those further back softened. The same
applies to detail. Sharper, more defined in the foreground and lesser as the
picture recedes.

Keep pastels clean to avoid the risk of 'mud'. Ideally wipe each time on a tissue before using.

Standing back from your work often allows you another perspective and the chance of seeing any problems before they get out of hand.