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home·artworks·A waterfall in rocky landscape
A waterfall in rocky landscape by Jacob van Ruisdael

plate no. 6542

A waterfall in rocky landscape

Jacob van Ruisdael

oilBaroquelandscapewaterfallrockstreesskycloudslandscape

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the waterfall, rocks, and trees.

  2. step 02

    Establish the sky and cloud formations with broad washes of color.

  3. step 03

    Block in the dark values of the trees and rocks, paying attention to the overall tonal structure.

  4. step 04

    Begin layering in the mid-tones and highlights on the rocks and foliage.

  5. step 05

    Develop the waterfall, using broken brushstrokes to suggest the movement and texture of the water.

  6. step 06

    Add details to the trees and foliage, creating variation in color and texture.

  7. step 07

    Refine the highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.

  8. step 08

    Add final details and adjust values as needed to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · sap green · raw sienna · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and green by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten values and create atmospheric perspective.

techniques

  • ·wet-on-wet blending
  • ·dry brush texture
  • ·scumbling
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·broken color

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
  • →Failing to create sufficient contrast between light and shadow.
  • →Making the waterfall appear static or unnatural.
  • →Not establishing a clear focal point.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·oil paints
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·rags

optional

  • ·painting medium
  • ·varnish
  • ·easel

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the depth and luminosity of the colors.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →chiaroscuro →how to learn by studying the masters →
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