Design

DIY Rothko-Inspired Art

August 8, 2012

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Mark Rothko was an abstract expressionist, (note: he always hated that label) and one of the best! He is one of my favorite artists that I am constantly researching and being inspired by his work–those paintings are massive (!!) and moving. Earlier this year, a painting he did in 1961 sold for $86.9 million dollars, so perusing through his art online or in museums is about as close as I’ll ever get–and probably you as well.  Bummer. But, the good news is, you can make whip up some of those Rothko-inspired cookies (found here) and break out your paint brushes and DIY something Rothko-esque in just a couple or hours.

To DIY your own Rothko-inspired art (disclaimer: it won’t be as great as a real Rothko), layering color blocks is the name of the game.  Here’s how mine went down:

I was originally all for the big block of yellow up top, but then when I brought it down to where I wanted to hang it (next to the guitar, we have other plans for The Gray Ghost) it was too much yellow– which just became a great opportunity for more color-block-layering fun.  I framed the unstretched canvas in a Ribba frame and voila:

Not too shabby.  The great thing about a painting like this is you can customize it using colors in your space, or do something really bold and bright for a great statement piece. I already want to do another one.  Who’s with me?

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What do you think?

  1. This is EASY! You can definitely do it. Greta totally helped me. Plan for an hour with dry times. ;)

  2. meaganbriggs3 says:

    Rothko is definitely one of my favorites too! I love how simple this painting is but also the depth it has with the layered colors. This is my kind of art work in my home. IF ONLY I was as talented as you girl. You probably whipped this up in, 15 minutes?? grrrrr…..

  3. Thanks! The yellow actually came from my craft paint stash. FolkArt Turners Yellow.

  4. It’s so beautiful! Mind sharing the name of the yellow paint you used? It’s perfect!

  5. Love it! I’m planning my own Rothko-inspired piece (I’ve already got some of the paint down . . . ) so this is definitely the motivation I need to finish.

  6. Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d says:

    So pretty. I love the color combo, and that hint of yellow. :)

  7. So pretty! But I have a feeling you just make this look way easier than it actually is ;)

  8. Brittani says:

    LOVE IT! I am with you!

  9. Janecmetcalf says:

    rad piece. i’m so impressed. love when you share your art. those cookies look awesome too.

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