The Cascades, Hampton Court, Herefordshire
1795
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1795
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This painting shows a rushing river tumbling over rocks in a wooded area. The water is a mix of deep blues and foamy whites, while the trees and cliffs are soft greens and browns. Light filters through the trees, making some spots brighter than others. The artist used quick, loose brushstrokes to show the water’s movement, almost like it’s alive. The scene feels wild and natural, not perfectly neat. If you like this style, look up Romanticism next to see how artists emphasized emotion and nature.