Three Figures under Cover Outdoors 

This drawing, Three Figures Under Cover Outdoors, by Mark Rothko, is made with pen and ink on paper. The quick, sketchy lines suggest it was made en plein air. What's fascinating here is how Rothko uses the inherent qualities of ink – its fluidity, its darkness, its ability to create both sharp lines and soft washes – to convey the scene. The artist has relied on the immediacy of a drawing, foregoing any of the labor-intensive techniques associated with painting. But this apparent spontaneity should not mislead us. The ease of the medium gives the artwork its visual impact, while Rothko's choice to use such accessible, economic materials reflects a conscious decision to embrace the everyday. It’s a reminder that profound artistic expression can be achieved through the simplest of means, blurring the lines between high art and the humble act of drawing. Ultimately, understanding the materials and processes involved allows us to appreciate the subtle nuances of Rothko's vision.