No. 1 (Royal Red and Blue) 1954

Mark Rothko made this large-scale painting, No. 1 (Royal Red and Blue), using oil paints on canvas, a conventional material of fine art. Yet, the way he applied the paint is key. See how the color seems to float? Rothko achieved this by layering thin washes of paint, one over another. This wasn't about bravura brushwork, but a careful, almost meditative process. The canvas itself is integral; Rothko primed it to readily absorb paint, creating a surface that is soft and porous. Now, consider the size. The scale of the painting envelops the viewer, inviting a direct, almost bodily encounter with color. This wasn't just about making a pretty picture. Rothko wanted to create an environment, a space for contemplation. So, although he used traditional materials, the final painting transcends the divide between 'fine art' and something more experiential. It's a testament to the transformative power of making.