Bust of a Woman [recto] 

This "Bust of a Woman" by Mark Rothko is made using watercolor on paper, a quick and intimate medium. The fluidity of watercolor allows for a blending of hues; blues and greys dominate, creating a sense of depth. The paper's texture absorbs the pigment, influencing the painting's appearance through its delicate surface. Rothko's artistic process involved layering washes, and the ways he manipulated the material, from wet-on-wet to dry-brush techniques, are visible across the surface. The thinness of the medium allows light to reflect, producing ethereal effects. Rothko’s engagement with watercolor is a window into his broader practice. Though celebrated for his large-scale oil paintings, this work highlights his mastery across different scales. It is a reminder that the perceived hierarchy between minor and major art forms is misleading. The artist’s process is what truly matters.