Copper Falls

Copper Falls is a new mixed media piece that captures the raw beauty of a waterfall framed by rugged cliffs. Measuring 11 by 14 inches, this artwork brings together textured surfaces and layered materials to evoke the natural landscape that inspired it.

 

At the heart of the composition, the waterfall flows with a sense of movement and energy. Its white and soft blue tones are enhanced by textured patterns that suggest the water’s constant motion. Flanking the waterfall, the cliffs are rendered in warm earth tones—shades of orange, brown, and beige—with darker patches adding depth and character. On one side, vibrant green foliage provides a striking contrast, while the opposite side features more subdued, layered textures that hint at weathered rock and arid terrain.

 

The sky above presents a bright blue expanse, punctuated by a dark blue cloud that balances the scene and invites a moment of stillness after the rush of water below. A tactile quality runs throughout the piece, resulting from hand-printed collage paper and the inclusion of crushed glass, which is finished with resin to create subtle dimension and light reflection.

 

Copper Falls is a personal response to a nearby waterfall that has long captured my imagination. The process involved careful layering and experimentation with materials to translate the tangible textures and dynamic energy of this natural site into a compact yet immersive visual experience.

 

Through this work, I wanted to convey both the power and tranquility intrinsic to the waterfall’s environment, inviting viewers to feel connected to the landscape in a fresh, textured way.

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Copper Falls is a new mixed media artwork that explores the dynamic interaction between water and earth in a compact 11 by 14-inch format. The piece presents a waterfall framed by steep cliffs, where textures and colors work together to create a vivid natural scene.

The waterfall moves from the top center down to a pool below, rendered in layered whites and blues that suggest both the flow and the energy of falling water. The surrounding cliffs rise sharply on each side, painted in warm shades of brown, orange, and gold. Their rough, tactile surfaces evoke the ruggedness of rock faces. To the left, rich green and teal foliage offers a fresh contrast to the earthy tones, grounding the scene in the vitality of nature.

Above, the sky shifts gently in soft blues, punctuated by a small grouping of darker clouds, adding subtle depth without overpowering the landscape. The collage method incorporates hand-printed papers, crushed glass, and resin to add a dimensional quality and a delicate interplay of light across the surface.

Inspired by a local waterfall called Copper Falls, this piece reflects my desire to capture its power and quiet presence simultaneously. The process required layering different materials to mirror the variety of textures found in the environment—from smooth water and jagged rock to soft leaves—while creating a sense of movement and serenity.

With Copper Falls, I aimed to present a moment in nature that resonates beyond the visual. It is an invitation to experience the layered complexity and calm energy of a familiar place through a textured, tactile lens.