plate no. 3037

Waterfall in Sweden

Albert Julius Olsson, 1940

oilImpressionismmarinawavesrocksseacoastlinewatersky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing dynamic movement and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in mixing subtle color variations to depict water and atmospheric effects.

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 rocks and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the sky and distant landmasses with thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the dark values of the rocks, paying attention to their shapes and angles.
step 04
Begin layering in the water, using broken brushstrokes to suggest movement and texture.
step 05
Add highlights to the waves and foam, using thicker paint and brighter colors.
step 06
Refine the details of the rocks and water, adding shadows and highlights as needed.
step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and create atmospheric depth.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values to create a sense of realism and dynamism.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian green · cadmium yellow

Mix various shades of brown and gray for the rocks by combining burnt umber, ultramarine blue, and titanium white. Achieve the colors of the water by mixing ultramarine blue, viridian green, and titanium white, adjusting the ratios for different depths and highlights.

techniques