plate no. 4571
The Waterfall
Henri Rousseau, 1910
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering, simplifying complex forms into basic shapes, and understanding color temperature to create depth. It also encourages observation of patterns in nature.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the waterfall, figures, deer, and main foliage masses.
- step 02
Block in the sky and background with a light, neutral color.
- step 03
Paint the large shapes of the trees and foliage with dark greens, gradually adding lighter shades to create volume.
- step 04
Define the waterfall and rocks, using white and gray to create highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Paint the deer with warm browns and yellows, paying attention to their anatomy and proportions.
- step 06
Add the figures, using dark colors for their silhouettes.
- step 07
Paint the foreground foliage with varying shades of green and pink, adding details to create texture.
- step 08
Refine the details and add highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · dark green · light green · brown · white
secondary · pink · gray · yellow
Achieve the various greens by mixing dark green with white, yellow, or blue. Mix browns with burnt umber, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blocking
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the details too early in the process.
- →Using too much detail in the background, which can flatten the image.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figures and deer.
- →Using too much pure color without mixing, which can make the painting look flat.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints (dark green, light green, brown, white, pink, gray, yellow)
- ·Round brushes (#2, #4, #6)
- ·Flat brush (#8)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil or acrylic medium
optional
- ·Easel
- ·Rags
- ·Apron
- ·Varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics are easier for beginners, while oils offer richer colors and blending capabilities.
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