Landscape with Trees 

This drawing, Landscape with Trees, was made by Mark Rothko, using ink on paper. Here, the directness of line is everything. Rothko used a pen to quickly record what he saw, or perhaps remembered. The qualities of the ink and paper – their susceptibility to the artist’s touch – are also significant. The ink is fluid, allowing for both thin, hesitant strokes and bold, confident marks. The paper, likely a relatively absorbent stock, would have allowed the ink to bleed slightly, creating a subtle blurring effect. The effect is one of immediacy, of the artist capturing a fleeting moment. This emphasis on process is important. Rothko is best known for his large-scale, abstract paintings, but this drawing reminds us that he was also a skilled draftsman. The work also stands as evidence of labor, of time spent observing and translating the world onto paper. By focusing on the materials and the act of making, we can gain a deeper appreciation for Rothko's artistic practice.