I guess what I am looking for is discussion as to whether all the information in the scene on the right side detracts from the visual impact of the waterfall or whether it gives needed context for the waterfall.

The size of the painting is 12 by 16 so there is plenty of room to crop from the right side and still leave a good sized painting, if that matters.

Also I live in an area where the Autumn colors are brilliant, and I enjoy this season so much, but are the colors I've used over the top? Although in reality the scene was indeed very brightly colored, should one tone it down lest it seem unreal in a painting.

Also I would appreciate any other critique-tips-suggestions you can give for improvement!

The thing I am appreciating so much from this forum is the constructive feedback members freely give, which is so helpful. In the only other forum in which I have participated, the feedback seemed primarily to be only generic positive affirmations when what is really needed is genuine helpful critique which leads to growth.

I feel it's equally important to be told what is successful and what is working, as well as what is not working and could be improved and specifically how. I also think that when we critique the work of others it helps us become better able to look at our own work more objectively and critically.