plate no. 8881
Wood on the Downs
Paul Nash, 1929
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and understanding atmospheric perspective through subtle value changes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth using overlapping shapes and linear perspective.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the trees and hills, focusing on their simplified forms.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition, paying attention to the placement of the tree grouping.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas for the sky, hills, and trees using diluted washes.
- step 04
Begin layering in darker values to define the shadows and contours of the trees and hills.
- step 05
Add highlights to the tree trunks and snow patches to create a sense of light and depth.
- step 06
Refine the details of the tree branches and the undulating lines of the hills.
- step 07
Introduce subtle color variations within the main color blocks to add visual interest.
- step 08
Review and adjust the overall balance of the painting, ensuring a harmonious composition.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · cerulean blue
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
Mix raw umber with white for the tree trunks and hills, adding small amounts of blue or sienna to adjust the tone. Use cerulean blue and white for the sky, gradually lightening the value towards the horizon.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes of the trees and hills.
- →Using too much detail in the background.
- →Creating harsh lines instead of soft transitions.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cerulean blue oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (e.g. Liquin)
- ·easel
Use a medium-sized canvas (e.g., 16x20 inches) to allow for sufficient detail. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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