Description
A view of the dramatic waterfall on the Wannon River in the west of Victoria, Australia. This viewing point was made famous by 19th century artists such as Louis Buvelot. The area around the Grampians had a very volcanic history as demonstrated by the coloured layers of rock over which the water flowed.
Before painting this landscape, I travelled to the west of the state from my studio in Melbourne’s east.  Then a rough side road led to the car park overlooking the river and waterfall. I explored this fascinating area above and beside the river, and took several photographs, three of which became material for oil paintings.
In this artwork, I have used a palette knife and thick oils to emulate the rocky landscape and coloured strata of the ledge over which the water flows. This adds a three dimensional aspect to the painting’s surface. Using the palette knife’s sharp point simulated the wave patterns radiating from the splashing water. The knife is also indispensable when simulating the rough surface of boulders.
In summary, this painting contrasts the light colours of the dry fields with the dark rocks and water in the deep pool. It captures a kaleidoscope of colours in the rock strata, and it simulates the rough surfaces of the outcrops, ledges and foreground rocks. Doubtlessly, a geologist could explain the volcanic history of this region over millions of years.
Oil painting by Dai Wynn on canvas on board. 40.6 cm high by 30.5 cm wide by 0.5 cm deep.
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