plate no. 3367

The Edge of the Wood

Paul Nash, 1919

oilCubismlandscapetreeslandscapefenceskyfoliagepath

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and depth. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve a harmonious, slightly muted palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, fence, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, leaving space for the clouds.
step 03
Establish the main masses of foliage with varying shades of green, using broad brushstrokes.
step 04
Paint the tree trunks and branches with browns and ochres, varying the tones to suggest light and shadow.
step 05
Add the fence, using a light gray or off-white, and suggest the individual planks with subtle variations in color and tone.
step 06
Define the path and foreground with earth tones, adding texture with short, broken brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the details of the foliage, adding highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · sap green · cerulean blue · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · payne's gray

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and adjust with raw umber for muted tones. Create grays by mixing complementary colors or using Payne's gray with white.

techniques