plate no. 1266

Study for Landscape with Waterfall

oil, canvasRealismlandscapewaterfalltreesrocksmountainskyfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in depicting the movement of water over rocks. It also encourages observation of natural light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the waterfall, mountain, and trees.
step 02
Establish the sky with light blue and white, blending smoothly.
step 03
Block in the dark areas of the trees and mountain with a mix of dark greens and browns.
step 04
Add the base colors for the rocks and water, using blues, grays, and browns.
step 05
Begin layering lighter colors on the mountain to create highlights and texture.
step 06
Develop the foliage with various shades of green, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 07
Add details to the waterfall, using white and light blue to indicate movement and reflections.
step 08
Refine the foreground rocks and water, paying attention to the interplay of light and shadow.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Burnt Umber · Titanium White · Sap Green

secondary · Yellow Ochre · Raw Sienna · Cadmium Yellow Light · Ivory Black

Mix greens by combining Prussian Blue, Sap Green, and Yellow Ochre. Achieve rock colors by blending Burnt Umber, Raw Sienna, and Titanium White. Vary the water's color by mixing blues, greens, and white.

techniques