This past semester we had to select a 2oth century artist, study them, write a brief paper and re-produce their work. I believing Mark Rothko at the time was an easy selection -come one it’s just color, right? I was so wrong! Here’s a bit from my paper. I will post my reproduction and step-by-step instructions for those who what to give Rothko a try.
Excerpt from my research paper
Mark Rothko is credited as creating a new and impassioned form of abstract painting (National Gallery of Art). Rothko’s mature work can be described as his signature which is categorized as abstract expressionism. Abstract expressionism is known as the most influential and original movement in American art and developed in New York City. (Abstract Expressionism).
Rothko’s style is called color-field painting, which is typified by a single image or unified expanse of color (Abstract Expressionism). His mature style consists of strong formal elements, such as color, shape, balance, depth, composition, and scale. (Simultaneous Contrast, Color Vision & Art). Rothko’s journey to define and perfect his signature included; figurative style; including landscapes, still lives, figure studies, and portraits; surrealism and a focus on myth and symbols.
Mark Rothko rejected the notion of defining his work with labels. He is famously quoted for stating, “It is a widely accepted notion among painters that it does not matter what one paints as long as it is well painted. This is the essence of academic painting. However, there is no such thing as good painting about nothing”.