plate no. 3278

Landscape (verso)

Paul Nash, 1939

oilExpressionismlandscapelandscapehillstreesskyfieldspath

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in layering colors and creating depth with subtle value changes. Students can learn to simplify a landscape into basic shapes and use expressive brushstrokes to convey texture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the hills, trees, and sky, focusing on the overall composition.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of grey and white.
step 03
Establish the main color masses for the hills and fields, using a limited palette of greens, browns, and yellows.
step 04
Add darker values to create shadows and define the forms of the hills and trees.
step 05
Introduce lighter values to highlight areas and create a sense of depth.
step 06
Use short, expressive brushstrokes to add texture to the fields and trees.
step 07
Refine the details of the path and any other elements in the foreground.
step 08
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to achieve a harmonious and expressive effect.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · sap green · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, sap green, and ultramarine blue. Browns can be created by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and a touch of blue. Use white to lighten values and create subtle color variations.

techniques