It is an often overused term that certain artists are underrated, but if it could ever be justified John Nash would surely fall into the category. There are many contributing factors to this, but perhaps most significantly being the younger brother of Paul Nash meant that it was very difficult for John to step aside from his shadow. This however, is not to say Paul was not a huge influence and driving force behind John's career, indeed it was Paul who first convinced John to paint and follow his natural ability. John Nash was a modest man and avoided the limelight, distancing himself from the politics of the London art scene in the 20s and 30s, instead residing in Buckinghamshire and later the Essex/Suffolk border. Unlike Paul, John was not formally trained, but this by no means had a negative effect on his work. Instead it allowed for a more natural and individual style. His artistic interests were primarily devoted to landscape but he was also fascinated by botany and made many illustrations. In particular the landscapes show his fascination with the countryside: he travelled all over Britain with his wife who found places for him to paint. What the watercolours demonstrate, unlike his oils, is the spontaneous and immediate response to the landscape that might be lost when a painting is reworked back in the studio. They are well observed and calculated often with various notes and annotations, very reminiscent of Edward Lear. Despite this uncomplicated and systematic approach there is a naive quality to his landscapes, incorporating a style that is both modern and English.

John Nash made his first of regular trips to Skye in 1957. In particular the Talisker distillery is a subject he revisited. Talisker is a single malt whisky and is the only distillery on Skye.