Abstract Composition in Brown, Black, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Blue [recto] c. 1944

This small-scale abstract composition was created by Mark Rothko, using watercolor and ink on paper. It presents a fascinating insight into the artist’s working methods. Rothko is best known for his large-scale, luminous color field paintings, where blocks of pigment seem to float on the canvas. This piece, though, reveals a more tentative, exploratory approach, where the fluid nature of watercolor and ink takes center stage. We see washes of color, delicate lines, and a sense of transparency. This reveals a real intimacy with the materials. The lack of clear subject matter invites us to consider the pure qualities of the pigments themselves, and the way the inks bleed and interact with the paper. This work reveals a more hands-on engagement with his art and artistic practice. Through this approach, it challenges a traditional understanding of artistic practices and creativity.