plate no. 3128

Behind the Inn

Paul Nash, 1922

oilExpressionismlandscapebuildinglandscapetreesskyfencegrass

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding perspective and composition in landscape painting. It also provides practice in capturing the effects of light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to perspective.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and white, blending softly.
step 03
Establish the background hills and trees with muted reds, browns, and greens.
step 04
Paint the grass area using various shades of green, yellow, and brown, indicating light and shadow.
step 05
Add the building structure, focusing on the dark tones and details.
step 06
Paint the fences, using vertical brushstrokes to mimic the wood texture.
step 07
Add details to the trees and foliage, using smaller brushes.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting colors and values as needed.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · sap green · raw umber · cadmium yellow

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and create muted tones by adding small amounts of complementary colors. Achieve the dark tones of the building by mixing umber, blue, and a touch of red.

techniques