plate no. 7705

Untitled (Subway)

Mark Rothko, 1937

oilExpressionismcityscapefiguressubwaycolumnsplatformcityscapearchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey mood and atmosphere. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing to achieve nuanced tones.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition: the platform, columns, and figures.
step 02
Block in the background color with a thin wash of ochre or yellow-brown.
step 03
Establish the main vertical elements (columns) using a teal or blue-green color.
step 04
Add the figures, focusing on their general shapes and gestures rather than precise details.
step 05
Introduce variations in color and value within each area to create depth and interest.
step 06
Use thicker paint and bolder brushstrokes to define key areas and add texture.
step 07
Add the red base and the top structure.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the overall balance of the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · teal · burnt umber

secondary · red · grey · white

Achieve the background color by mixing yellow ochre with a touch of burnt umber and white. Create variations by adding small amounts of other colors. Teal can be mixed from blue and green with white.

techniques