plate no. 8980

The Window, Iver Heath

Paul Nash, 1926

oilCubisminteriorwindowinteriorgardensnowpitchertable

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in depicting an interior scene with a view, focusing on creating depth through layering and atmospheric perspective. Students can learn to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes, a key element of Cubism.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the window frame and the placement of the objects.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of the landscape outside the window with simplified color masses.
step 03
Establish the values of the snow and sky, paying attention to subtle shifts in tone.
step 04
Paint the window frame and the interior objects (pitcher, table, papers) using a limited palette of browns and whites.
step 05
Add details to the landscape, such as the trees and the gate, using thin, dark lines.
step 06
Develop the form of the pitcher with highlights and shadows, suggesting its reflective surface.
step 07
Refine the details of the table and papers, adding subtle textures and shadows.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust the overall balance of the painting.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · sap green

secondary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown by combining raw umber with white, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue. Achieve the snow effect by mixing white with small amounts of blue and brown for subtle variations.

techniques