plate no. 6351

the Waterfalls at Tivoli

oil, canvasNeoclassicismlandscapewaterfallmountainstreesfiguresriverarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering realistic water effects. It also provides practice in creating depth through layering and value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the major landforms and the waterfall.
step 02
Establish the sky and distant mountains with light, muted colors.
step 03
Block in the dark areas of the foreground rocks and trees using a dark brown or umber.
step 04
Begin layering in the mid-tones on the rocks and foliage, paying attention to the direction of light.
step 05
Paint the waterfall, starting with the overall shape and then adding details like splashes and reflections.
step 06
Add the figures, keeping them small and in proportion to the landscape.
step 07
Refine the details of the foreground, adding texture and highlights to the rocks and trees.
step 08
Glaze over areas to adjust values and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

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

secondary · raw sienna · ivory black · cadmium yellow light

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors for distant elements. Use burnt umber and ivory black for shadows.

techniques