plate no. 6255

Bash Bish Falls

oilRealismlandscapewaterfallrockstreeswaterfoliagelandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding how light interacts with water and rock formations. Students will also learn to create a sense of atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the waterfall, rocks, and trees.
step 02
Establish the dark and light values with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Begin layering in the colors of the rocks, starting with darker shades and gradually adding highlights.
step 04
Paint the waterfall using thin layers of white and blue, capturing the movement and transparency of the water.
step 05
Add the foliage, using a variety of greens and browns to create texture and depth.
step 06
Refine the details of the rocks and water, paying attention to the way light reflects off the surfaces.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Glaze with thin washes to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

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

secondary · sap green · raw sienna · alizarin crimson

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create various shades of brown by mixing burnt umber with other colors like blue, red, or yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques