Sketch of Plants 

Mark Rothko made this simple 'Sketch of Plants' using ink on paper. The immediacy of the medium is very clear; the fluidity of the ink allows for quick, gestural marks that capture the essence of the plant's form with minimal detail. The choice of ink and paper highlights the raw quality of the sketch. Rothko’s mark-making seems effortless, yet each stroke defines shape, texture, and weight. The thin lines create a sense of lightness, contrasting with the denser, shaded areas that suggest depth and volume. The translucency of the ink allows the paper's texture to show through, adding another layer of visual interest. While Rothko is best known for his abstract color field paintings, this sketch reminds us of the importance of process in his broader practice. It is through the directness and simplicity of the materials that he was able to find meaning in his practice. The act of making, the physical engagement with materials, is central to understanding the artwork's significance.