Ditch the Brush: Paint this Rocky Waterfall Landscape with a Bridge with Exciting Texture Techniques
Hello, watercolor enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a stunning waterfall landscape painting, where I’ll share tips on how to elevate your watercolor art using unique tools, layering techniques, and texture tricks. This tutorial complements my infographic, "5 Tips for Expressive Watercolors," which you can download here. In this tutorial, I’m using an array of exciting tools and techniques to achieve realistic rock textures, foliage effects, and cascading water that will bring your waterfall painting to life.
Materials You’ll Need
For this painting, I worked with Arches Cold Press watercolor paper for its absorbent texture, and a limited palette of colors: Rockwell Canada Magic Wizard, Onat Diamond Yellow, and Limu Green Brown, each chosen to build vibrant, earthy tones. Here’s a rundown of the tools and techniques I used to create depth and texture:
Silicone spatula and palette knife for textured layers
Water spray bottle for soft transitions
Salt for organic patterns
Cling film for rocky texture
Crackle Paste to create extra depth on rocky areas
Sea sponge for leafy foliage effects
Step 1: Establishing Light and Dark Values
I began by simplifying the reference photo into a grayscale using my Notanizer tool, isolating values to help place the darkest darks and lightest lights. This step is essential for creating a balanced composition, especially in landscapes where contrast is key.
Step 2: Applying the First Layer for Rock Textures
The first step is all about laying down base colors and textures. With my paper at an angle, I applied Onat Diamond Yellow with a dry brush, creating texture through slight gaps. I then sprayed water to help the paint flow downward, naturally forming the waterfall's shape.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with dry brushing—it lets you leave gaps that hint at natural textures.
Step 3: Using Cling Film and Salt for Organic Textures
While the paint was still wet, I applied cling film over the rocky areas, scrunching it to create crags and crevices. Adding table salt and Jacquard Silk salt to areas with darker pigments added an organic, crystalline texture, ideal for depicting the rugged texture of rocks. After letting it dry, I removed the salt and cling film to reveal beautifully textured rocks and foliage.
Step 4: Framing with Foliage Using a Sea Sponge
With the background dry, I began painting the foreground foliage using a natural sea sponge. I dabbed into the greens to create a leaf-like effect that adds depth without being overly detailed. I then went in with darker green hues around the edges to frame the scene and highlight the waterfall’s center.
Step 5: Creating the Waterfall’s Flow with a Spray Bottle and Glazing
To capture the flowing motion of the waterfall, I sprayed water across the center, letting the paint flow naturally. A palette knife came in handy for introducing linear details like a small bridge over the waterfall. Once the layer was dry, I used a light wash to glaze over the crackle paste areas, emphasizing the textures in the rock formations.
Step 6: Enhancing the Rocky Texture with Crackle Paste
Applying clear crackle paste to the rocky areas added a new layer of texture, with thicker applications resulting in larger cracks and finer ones creating delicate lines. Once dry, I added a dark glaze over the cracks, allowing the pigment to settle, bringing out the beautiful texture and depth in the rocks.
Finishing Touches
For the final touches, I added a bit more dark pigment around the waterfall to enhance its flow, then softened the edges of the bridge to blend with the surrounding foliage for a dreamy, atmospheric feel.
Try This Yourself!
Waterfall landscapes can be challenging, but using these tools and techniques adds a unique, textured look that can make your artwork stand out. Don’t forget to download my "5 Tips for Expressive Watercolors" infographic for more tips.
Happy painting, and I’d love to hear how your waterfall landscapes turn out! Let me know in the comments or tag me on social media @Valerie.englehart