plate no. 6090

Rural Scene

Mark Rothko, 1936

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigureslandscapebuildingfieldtreefence

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey texture and form. Students will also learn how to create a sense of depth using color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the composition: the building, figures, field, and tree.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color using thin washes. Start with the sky, field, and the general color of the figures' clothing.
step 03
Add darker values to define the shadows and create depth in the building, tree, and figures.
step 04
Introduce secondary colors to add richness and variation to the landscape and figures.
step 05
Use thicker paint and more visible brushstrokes to add texture to the building, tree, and foreground.
step 06
Refine the shapes and details of the figures, paying attention to the way the light falls on them.
step 07
Add highlights to create a sense of form and dimension.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a cohesive and expressive painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · titanium white

Mix yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the field. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna for the darker areas of the building and tree. Mix cadmium red with burnt sienna for the figures' clothing.

techniques

·blocking in
·dry brush
·scumbling
·color mixing
·expressive brushwork

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure.
→Not simplifying the shapes enough.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes
·flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife

optional

·painting medium
·easel
·rags
·odorless mineral spirits

Use a medium-sized canvas (e.g., 16x20 inches) to allow for sufficient detail. Acrylic paints are recommended for beginners due to their fast drying time.

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