plate no. 3798

Oxford During the War

Paul Nash, 1942

oilExpressionismlandscapetreesskycloudsbuildingtanklandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and using simplified shapes to represent complex forms. It also provides practice in creating a sense of atmosphere and distance.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, tank, and distant city.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of color for the sky, clouds, and ground.
step 03
Add the darker values to define the shadows and create depth.
step 04
Begin layering colors in the trees, using browns, reds, and hints of green.
step 05
Paint the tank, focusing on its simplified form and the play of light and shadow.
step 06
Add details to the distant city, using light colors and soft edges to create a sense of distance.
step 07
Refine the details and add any final touches.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light

secondary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · sap green

Mix various shades of brown by combining raw umber, cadmium red, and yellow ochre. Achieve the pinkish sky by mixing titanium white with a touch of cadmium red. Create the greens by mixing yellow ochre and cerulean blue.

techniques