plate no. 7497

Untitled

Mark Rothko, 1937

oilExpressionismportraitfiguresportraitwindowinteriorclothing

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice portraiture with a limited palette and expressive brushstrokes. Students can learn to suggest form and emotion through color and texture rather than precise detail.

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 figures and the window frame.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin wash of warm browns and oranges.
step 03
Establish the main color areas for the figures: red for the figure on the left, and darker greens/browns for the figure on the right.
step 04
Begin building up layers of paint, focusing on the light and shadow patterns on the faces and clothing.
step 05
Use visible brushstrokes to create texture and suggest form.
step 06
Mix subtle variations of the main colors to add depth and interest.
step 07
Refine the details of the faces and hands, but avoid overworking them.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · cadmium red · raw umber

secondary · viridian · ultramarine blue · titanium white

Mix burnt sienna and raw umber for the warm background tones. Use cadmium red with a touch of burnt sienna for the red garment. Mix viridian and ultramarine blue with raw umber for the darker figure's clothing.

techniques