the little falls (sketch) 1918 James Edward Hervey Macdonald

The composition presents a cascade nestled within a densely vegetated ravine. The artist has chosen a viewpoint that emphasizes both the verticality of the falls and the horizontal expanse of the watercourse below. A series of stepped terraces define the upper reaches of the waterfall, each tier marked by distinct rock formations rendered in varying shades of brown, grey, and ochre. These rocks are not depicted with photographic accuracy; instead, they appear as textured masses built up from short, broken brushstrokes that convey a sense of solidity and ruggedness.
The water itself is portrayed as a series of white, fragmented planes, suggesting movement and the disruption of light as it falls. The spray rising from the base of the cascade creates a hazy atmosphere, softening the edges of the surrounding landscape. Below the falls, the water flows over a bed of rocks, their surfaces reflecting the ambient light in scattered patches of color – blues, greens, yellows, and pinks.
The vegetation flanking the ravine is equally expressive. The foliage is not rendered with botanical precision but rather as an array of vibrant hues – greens, reds, oranges, and yellows – applied in a similarly impasto style to the rocks. This creates a visual unity across the entire scene, blurring the distinction between geological formations and organic life.
The color palette is dominated by earth tones, punctuated by bursts of intense color that suggest sunlight filtering through the canopy. The overall effect is one of vitality and energy, conveying not merely a representation of nature but an emotional response to it. There’s a sense of enclosure and seclusion; the ravine feels like a hidden sanctuary, removed from the outside world.
Subtly, the painting hints at themes of time and transformation. The relentless flow of water suggests the constant cycle of erosion and renewal. The dense vegetation implies a thriving ecosystem, while the rugged rocks speak to the enduring power of geological processes. The artist’s expressive brushwork contributes to this sense of dynamism, imbuing the scene with an almost palpable energy.