plate no. 0787

A Waterfall in Switzerland

watercolor, gouacheSymbolismlandscapewaterfallrockscanyonwaterlandscapecliff

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict form using light and shadow, and how to create texture with varied brushstrokes. It also provides practice in rendering the movement of water.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the canyon walls, waterfall, and rocks.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a dark brown/black mix.
step 03
Block in the mid-tones on the canyon walls and rocks, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Begin adding highlights to the rocks and canyon walls, creating a sense of depth.
step 05
Carefully paint the waterfall, using thin, vertical strokes to suggest movement.
step 06
Add details to the rocks and foreground, including smaller pebbles and reflections in the water.
step 07
Refine the edges and details throughout the painting.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, black, and white. Use small amounts of green and blue to create cooler tones in the shadows and rocks.

techniques

·dry brushing
·scumbling
·glazing
·layering
·broken color

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details, leading to a flat or lifeless appearance.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure, resulting in a lack of depth.
→Using too much water, causing the colors to become muddy.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the rocks and canyon walls.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paints
·gouache paints
·round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 10)
·flat brush (size 1/2 inch)
·watercolor paper 140lb
·palette
·water container
·paper towels

optional

·palette knife
·masking fluid
·kneaded eraser

Use high-quality watercolor and gouache paints for best results. Experiment with different brush sizes and techniques to achieve the desired textures.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

chat about this artwork

in this vein