plate no. 2851

Thundering Waterfall

Franz Richard Unterberger, 1902

oil, canvasRomanticismlandscapewaterfallrockstreesskymountainslandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as capturing the movement of water with brushstrokes.

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, rocks, and trees.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and pinks, blending softly.
step 03
Establish the dark values of the distant mountains and trees.
step 04
Begin layering the rocks with browns, ochres, and grays, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 05
Paint the waterfall with varying shades of white and blue, using dynamic brushstrokes to convey movement.
step 06
Add details to the trees, using a dry brush technique for texture.
step 07
Refine the water in the foreground, reflecting the colors of the sky and surrounding landscape.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to enhance the overall realism.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · raw sienna

Mix blues and whites for the sky and water. Use burnt umber and yellow ochre for the rocks and trees, adding white for highlights and alizarin crimson for warmth.

techniques