plate no. 1326

Smelt Brook Falls

oilExpressionismlandscapewaterfalltreesrockslandscapeforestfoliage

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using bold brushstrokes to create texture. Students can learn to capture the essence of a waterfall and surrounding landscape with a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the waterfall, rocks, and trees, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of burnt sienna or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the dark areas of the rocks and trees with a mixture of black and burnt umber.
step 04
Begin layering the white of the waterfall, using thick paint and directional brushstrokes to suggest movement.
step 05
Add highlights to the rocks and trees with lighter shades of brown and gray.
step 06
Refine the details of the waterfall, focusing on the shapes and flow of the water.
step 07
Add final touches to the foreground, including reflections and small details.
step 08
Allow to dry and apply a varnish for protection and to enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt sienna · black

secondary · burnt umber · sap green · yellow ochre

Mix white with small amounts of burnt sienna and yellow ochre to create the various shades of the waterfall. Use burnt umber and black for the dark rocks and tree trunks. Add a touch of green to the browns for foliage.

techniques

·impasto
·dry brushing
·color mixing
·directional brushstrokes
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
→Not establishing a strong value contrast between the light and dark areas.
→Using too much detail in the background, which can distract from the focal point.
→Failing to capture the movement and energy of the waterfall.