Studies of Tree Trunks and Limbs [verso] 

This drawing of tree trunks and limbs was created by Mark Rothko using graphite on paper. Here, Rothko employs traditional materials to capture nature, reflecting the art world's separation from the natural world during industrialisation. The paper's texture is slightly visible through the graphite, adding a subtle depth to the drawing. The varying pressure of the graphite creates a range of tones, from light, airy sketches to denser, more defined lines, evoking the physical qualities of the tree trunks and branches. The marks on the paper, made with a common drawing tool, reflect the labour of observation and the hand's direct interaction with the subject. The simplicity of the materials and the directness of the technique highlight a connection between the artist, the environment, and the tools of creation. This piece reminds us that art, regardless of its apparent simplicity, always involves choices about materials, processes, and ultimately, what we value as creative expression.