Joys of waterfalls

There’s no denying that waterfalls are absolutely exquisite. They’re gorgeous, refreshing to look at, and a wonderful display of mother nature.  Every time, I travel I try to get to waterfalls.  An area that I go camping has beautiful flowing creeks with waterfalls.

Don't you just love water scenes painted in watercolours? and especially waterfalls? The white of the paper does wonderful things for light. It's as if when water moves it picks up bits of light that provide wonderful contrasts and highlights.  What's there not to love with white sparkles?

I enjoy scenes of flowing rivers and small waterfalls. Here are some tips for painting waterfalls:

• soft edges will contribute to the sense of moving water
• more definition at the top and less definition shows water gaining momentum
• mist at the bottom of the waterfall also gives the illusion of water in motion.
• alternate soft edges in water with hard edges of the rocks.
• avoid perfect geometric shapes
• avoid equal number of dark and lighter streaks in the water

Waterfall glow with differences in values and shapes.  There are also some abstract shapes that are difficult for new painters (like me).  Anyway, I'll be practicing waterfalls this weekend.

Here is a Tom Jones video about painting waterfalls: http://www.jerrysartarama.com/art-lessons/Medium/Watercolors/Watercolors-Waterfalls.html

Today's artist find is Jane Hofstetter. 

Have a  great day
Danielle