plate no. 2642
Pillar and Moon
Paul Nash, 1942
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the pillar, trees, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, adding hints of pink for the clouds.
- step 03
Establish the main shapes of the trees and pillar with dark and light grays.
- step 04
Layer in the colors of the wall, using a mix of grays, browns, and whites.
- step 05
Add details to the trees, varying the thickness and direction of the branches.
- step 06
Refine the pillar with subtle highlights and shadows to define its form.
- step 07
Paint the moon with a soft, diffused glow.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · gray · light blue · white
secondary · brown · pink · ochre
Mix various shades of gray by combining white, black, and small amounts of blue or brown. Achieve the sky color by mixing white and blue, adding a touch of pink for the clouds.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, losing the overall simplicity of the painting.
- →Using too much paint, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the grays and browns.
- →Not establishing a clear value structure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 12x16
- ·Acrylic or oil paints (gray, light blue, white, brown, pink, ochre)
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
Use a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process. Consider using a textured canvas to enhance the brushwork.
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