Make simple modern art in the style of Mark Rothko.
Tips:
1
Although Rothko used oil paints, I’m going to use oil pastels, as it’s easier to achieve the soft blended edges I want. I’m using Sakura’s Cray-Pas® Expressionist® oil pastels.
2
I recommend using canvas boards because they provide a firm surface for applying the color. Be aware that canvases on a frame, especially large ones, may sag when you apply pressure.
3
I’m also using turpenoid to blend the background color. Turpenoid is a solvent available at art supply stores. (A kid-friendly alternative is to use baby oil, although it doesn’t work quite as well.) Turpenoid can irritate skin, so it would be smart to wear gloves.
How to:
1
Begin by shading the canvas with an oil pastel. Don’t worry about covering the canvas completely, we’ll blend it in a moment.
2
Pour a small amount of turpenoid into a container. Unlike turpentine, it is odorless. However, it should still be used in a properly ventilated area and kept out of reach of children.
3
Use a paintbrush to apply a wash to the canvas and blend the color over the white areas. I’m making several canvases at once. Use fresh turpenoid each time to avoid accidentally tinting the canvas.
4
Allow the canvas to dry completely. If the surface is still shiny, you’ll need to give it more time to dry.
5
Draw colorful rectangles with the oil pastels.
6
You can blend the rectangles with your fingertip, but you’ll need to remember to keep your hands clean so you don’t unintentionally transfer the color. If you’re making several canvases like I am, your fingers may get sore. If you’d rather, you can blend the colors using an eraser instead. Don’t rub hard like you normally would with an eraser; rather, gently stroke to spread the color. Wipe the eraser on a piece of paper before moving to the next color.
That’s all there is to making these color field canvases! There are endless color combinations to experiment with.
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