plate no. 1560

Waterfalls on the Way into Nellie Lake

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)landscapewaterfallrockstreeslandscapewaterfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and understanding how to simplify complex natural forms into abstract shapes. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve realistic yet stylized representations of nature.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the waterfall, rocks, and surrounding foliage.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color using thin washes, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Begin applying thicker paint with visible brushstrokes, defining the forms of the rocks and foliage.
step 04
Mix and apply various shades of green, brown, and blue to create depth and texture in the foliage and rocks.
step 05
Use white and light grays to depict the cascading water, paying attention to the flow and movement.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the rocks and foliage.
step 07
Refine the details and edges of the shapes, using smaller brushstrokes to create texture.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · payne's gray

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and create variations by adding browns or whites. Achieve the dark, muted tones of the rocks by mixing blues, browns, and greens. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques