Impressionists rejected the “academic” techniques of earlier movements in favor of short, bold brushstrokes that captured light and color rather than fine details. Impressionists most frequently painted landscapes and other subjects in nature and used the plein air technique of painting outdoors and directly in view of their subjects. To capture the natural light, artists painted quickly, attempting to depict an “impression” of the scene rather than a detailed copy. In this plein air landscape, "Art School Backyard", Lamb captures the unique character of the California backcountry: the shapes and colors of the flora and fauna, as well as the limestone hills, recede into a light blue distance thereby creating a painting full of strength and richness. The painting is signed “J. Lamb” lower left and is housed in a beautiful, hand-gilded gold frame.