plate no. 0176

Oxenbridge Pond

Paul Nash, 1928

oilExpressionismlandscapetreeswaterbuildingreflectionlandscapepond

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing reflections in water and simplifying complex scenes into geometric shapes. It also provides practice in layering colors to create depth and texture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the barn, trees, and pond, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the main colors of the sky, land, and water with thin washes.
step 03
Layer in darker values to define the shapes of the trees and barn, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Add details to the barn, such as the roof and door, using thicker paint and bolder brushstrokes.
step 05
Create the reflection in the water by mirroring the colors and shapes of the barn and trees, but with slightly muted tones.
step 06
Add texture to the trees and ground using dry brush techniques.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall composition.

color palette

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

secondary · viridian green · raw umber · cadmium yellow light

Mix burnt sienna and ultramarine blue to create the darker tones in the trees and barn. Use yellow ochre and white to create the lighter tones in the land. Mix ultramarine blue and white to create the sky and water.

techniques