Nail polish Easter eggs inspired by Mark Rothko.
Taking it back to my art school days with today’s DIY. In college I was fascinated by abstract expressionism, which eventually led me to color field painting and a lasting love of layered color palettes.
One of the artists who influenced me most was Mark Rothko, and today’s Easter egg project is a Rothko-inspired twist on traditional egg decorating.
These Rothko-style eggs are built from layers of color—like color field paintings—but they’re very simple to make.
Believe it or not, there’s no paint involved. Keep reading to learn how.
These eggs combine several techniques: traditional egg dye, nail polish, and colored pencil for finishing details. The result is painterly, layered color blocks that echo Rothko’s work while staying playful and handmade.
Materials for Nail Polish Easter Eggs
- Brown eggs or wooden eggs (brown eggs create more muted, interesting hues)
- Easter egg tablet dye set
- Nail polish in at least two shades within the same color family
- High-quality colored pencil or pastel pencil (choose a contrasting color)
- Paper towels or a rag you don’t mind staining
How to Make Rothko Easter Eggs with Nail Polish
1. Start by dyeing brown eggs in tones that match the nail polishes you’ll use.
Brown eggs produce softer, more unique hues than white eggs. For example, if you plan to work with blues and greens, dye your eggs in those shades to build a harmonious base.
2. After the eggs are completely dry, brush one half of an egg with a thin layer of one nail polish color. Don’t worry about perfect edges—imperfection helps the organic, painterly look.
Wipe the polish lightly with a paper towel or rag to remove excess and create translucent, layered areas. This step produces the soft, blurred transitions reminiscent of color field paintings.
3. Allow that layer to dry fully, then repeat the process on the opposite side with your second nail polish color. Apply, then remove some polish with the towel to keep that soft, layered texture.
4. When the nail polish layers are dry, use a colored or pastel pencil to draw a subtle line or soft boundary where the two colors meet—this mimics the banded compositions Rothko often used.
You can also add delicate marks, halos, or other lines to intensify contrast or suggest depth. Keep the shapes simple and focus on color relationships rather than detailed imagery.
Tips and Variations
- Choose nail polish shades in the same family (for example, two blues or two warm tones) to achieve subtle, layered color fields.
- Try pastel pencils for softer edges or vibrant colored pencils for stronger contrast.
- If you prefer a matte finish, gently buff the dried nail polish with a soft cloth or use matte topcoat polish sparingly on a test egg.
- Experiment with wooden eggs if you want a long-lasting decorative object rather than edible eggs.
More DIY Inspiration
If you enjoyed this technique, try these other creative ideas:
- Projects using nail polish for crafts
- Different egg-decorating techniques for Easter
- Balloon-dipped Easter eggs for another colorful, modern look
Nail Polish Easter Eggs
Brittni
Ingredients
- Brown eggs or wooden eggs
- Easter egg tablet dye set
- Nail polish, in at least two colors from the same color family
- Colored or pastel pencil in a contrasting color
- Paper towels or a rag that can get dirty
Instructions
Dye the eggs
- Dye brown eggs in colors that coordinate with your nail polish choices. Brown eggs give a softer, more muted base than white eggs.
Add the first polish layer
- When eggs are dry, paint one half with a thin layer of one nail polish. Wipe some away with a paper towel to create translucent, painterly marks.
Add the second color
- Let the first layer dry. Repeat on the other half with the second polish, wiping some away to produce soft overlap and texture. Allow to dry.
Finish with pencil details
- Use a colored or pastel pencil to draw a line or soft edge where the colors meet, evoking a Rothko-like composition. Add other subtle marks as desired.
Photography: Amelia Lawrence
Crafting: Emma Spear + Brittni Mehlhoff
Are there any artists whose work you’d like to turn into an Easter egg? I’d love to hear who’s inspiring you lately.