Whenever you speak about an influential American artist, the name Mark Rothko always comes up. Mark Rothko is a very important American artist.
Mark Rothko’s paintings are remarkable because they are original works of art. He is one of the founders of the abstract expressionism movement and color field painting. But more than that, he believed that his spirit lives within the art and that we, the individuals, can view his art can be taken to a different realm.
Table of Contents
- 10 Reasons Mark Rothko’s Paintings Are Considered So Special And Valuable
- Mark Rothko Was A True Artistic Creator
- Mark Rothko Captured Basic Human Emotions On Canvas
- Mark Rothko’s Paintings Are About What We Think
- Mark Rothko Used Colorfield Painting
- Mark Rothko Knew How To Use Color
- Mark Rothko Understood Surface, Proportions, And Scale
- Mark Rothko Believed His Paintings Told A Philosophical Truth
- Mark Rothko Had Profound Impact On Art Movements
- Mark Rothko Is An Important American Artist
- Mark Rothko’s Paintings Are Valuable
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Questions
10 Reasons Mark Rothko’s Paintings Are Considered So Special And Valuable
Many people look at Mark Rothko’s paintings they wonder what is so special about them or why they are also valuable. The truth is that many of his paintings continue to sell for record numbers; they are now selling in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
There are many reasons why Mark Rothko’s work is exceptional. Mark Rothko has left an impression on us all in life and death. Today we cannot talk about great American artists without talking and mentioning the name of Mark Rothko.
We love Mark Rothko’s artistic work and think it is unique. Here are our top 10 reasons why
Mark Rothko Was A True Artistic Creator
Many people can create or paint. But there are not that many people who can create a new form of art and art movement – that is Mark Rothko.
Mark Rothko is one of the founders of the Abstract Expressionism art movement. It was a movement developed by American painters in the 1940s and 50s. He is considered one of the founders of this movement, together with Jackson Pollock at Willem de Kooning.
The abstract expressionism movement focuses on gestural brushstrokes or mark-making, adding a kind of impression or spontaneity to the painting. Mark Rothko himself said this about his art:
“To me art is an adventure into an unknown world, which can be explored only by those willing to take the risk.”
Mark Rothko
Mark Rothko Captured Basic Human Emotions On Canvas
Mark Rothko’s work is about capturing human emotion on the canvas. He used the canvas to express some basic human feelings such as tragedy, ecstasy, and doom.
Mark Rothko said this about his paintings:
“I’m not an abstractionist. I’m not interested in the relationship of color or form or anything else. I’m interested only in expressing basic human emotions: tragedy, ecstasy, doom, and so on.”
Mark Rothko
Mark Rothko’s Paintings Are About What We Think
Mark Rothko does not try to tell us what his paintings are about. He said his paintings are about what we think about when we see them. In other words, it is about our minds wandering and what we think, feel, or see on the canvas.
“The most interesting painting is one that expresses more of what one thinks than of what one sees.”
Mark Rothko
Mark Rothko’s paintings have these large areas of color intended for us to contemplate or meditate in response to what we see. It is about us looking at the painting and then looking inside ourselves to see what we feel and why we feel that way.
Mark Rothko Used Colorfield Painting
Mark Rothko and other prominent artists such as Barnett Newman and Clyfford Still were interested in religion and myth. They developed the color field painting, which is characterized by the artist using large areas of more or less a single flat color.
Listen To Our Podcast About What Makes Mark Rothko’s Paintings So Valuable? by clicking here.
Color field painting was developed in the 1950s and 1960s; behind what we may see as calm colors can be some other meanings.
Mark Rothko said this about his paintings:
“You think my paintings are calm, like windows in some cathedral? You should look again. I’m the most violent of all the American painters. Behind those colours there hides the final cataclysm.”
Mark Rothko
Mark Rothko Knew How To Use Color
Today many of the color combinations we see Mark Rothko use may seem familiar to many of us. But when he was painting them, his color combinations were quite radical and were not often used or seen in the same painting.
Mark Rothko understood how to use color and paint to his advantage in his art. In speaking of his art and color, he said:
“If you are only moved by color relationships, you are missing the point. I am interested in expressing the big emotions – tragedy, ecstasy, doom.”
Mark Rothko
Mark Rothko Understood Surface, Proportions, And Scale
Mark Rothko painted a lot of large-scale paintings. But he did this to maximize his art’s effect and make it feel human or almost like it was living or breathing. With this, he understood the power of scale proportions and essentially the power of the surface of the canvas.
The canvas was for him, filled with human emotions and a living, breathing thing. In speaking of his art and canvas, Mark Rothko said:
“I will say without reservations that from my point of view there can be no abstractions. Any shape or area that has not the pulsating concreteness of real flesh and bones, its vulnerability to pleasure or pain is nothing at all. Any picture that does not provide the environment in which the breath of life can be drawn does not interest me.“
Mark Rothko
Mark Rothko Believed His Paintings Told A Philosophical Truth
Mark Rothko painted so that his art would be more than art but something that communicated human emotions and feelings. For him, it was not just about the color relationships but the canvas itself.
In speaking of the impact of his art, Mark Rothko said:
“The fact that people break down and cry when confronted with my pictures shows that I can communicate those basic human emotions.. the people who weep before my pictures are having the same religious experience I had when painting them. And if you say you are moved only by their color relationships then you miss the point.”
Mark Rothko
Mark Rothko Had Profound Impact On Art Movements
Mark Rothko is considered one of the founders of the Abstract Expressionism movement that later led to other movements such as the modernism movements. He influenced artists and art movements that went after him.
Mark Rothko saw his art as something that was almost human-like when he said:
“My art is not abstract, it lives and breathes.”
Mark Rothko
Mark Rothko Is An Important American Artist
Mark Rothko is one of the essential American artists that ever lived. When we talk about great American artists, his name is always at the top of the list because he continues to be an essential American artist with worldwide appeal.
He was known to take his art so seriously that he would look into the eyes of the people buying it and decide if they could have it. He felt his art was more than just art or something to collect but that his art was part of who he was.
One of the great things that made him such a great and influential American artist was this anti-establishment attitude. Mark Rothko said:
“When I was a younger man, art was a lonely thing. No galleries, no collectors, no critics, no money. Yet, it was a golden age, for we all had nothing to lose and a vision to gain. Today it is not quite the same. It is a time of tons of verbiage, activity, consumption. Which condition is better for the world at large I shall not venture to discuss. But I do know, that many of those who are driven to this life are desperately searching for those pockets of silence where we can root and grow. We must all hope we find them.”
Mark Rothko
Mark Rothko’s Paintings Are Valuable
Today at auctions around the world, Mark Rothko’s paintings are selling for hundreds of millions of dollars. Many of his paintings continue to break records at auction.
That shows how important, unique, and valuable Mark Rothko’s art is today. It is because his spirit continues to live within his art. Mark Rothko said:
“Art to me is an anecdote of the spirit.”
Mark Rothko
Mark Rothko’s art is unique because, as an artist, he was special. He is one of the most impressive American artists that has lived. His work is original and creative; his spirit continues to live within his artwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Mark Rothko’s paintings considered special?
Mark Rothko’s paintings are deemed special due to their status as original works of art. His unique approach to abstract expressionism and color field painting sets him apart in the art world.
How did Mark Rothko contribute to the abstract expressionism movement?
Mark Rothko is recognized as one of the founders of the abstract expressionism movement, a pivotal art movement that emphasized spontaneous and emotional expression. His contributions helped shape the course of modern art.
What distinguishes Mark Rothko’s color field paintings from other artistic styles?
Rothko’s color field paintings are characterized by large, simplified blocks of color. This unique style creates an immersive experience for the viewer, inviting them to explore the emotional and spiritual aspects of the artwork.
How did Mark Rothko view the relationship between his spirit and his art?
Mark Rothko believed that his spirit lived within his art. This belief added a profound and spiritual dimension to his work, encouraging viewers to connect with the paintings on a deeper level.
In what ways did Mark Rothko’s paintings transport viewers to a different realm?
Rothko aimed to transcend the ordinary and transport viewers to a different realm through his art. The immersive nature of his color field paintings creates an atmosphere that encourages contemplation and introspection.
What role does emotion play in Mark Rothko’s paintings?
Emotion plays a central role in Rothko’s paintings. The use of color and form in his artworks is designed to evoke emotional responses from viewers, contributing to the overall impact and significance of his pieces.
How did Mark Rothko’s artistic philosophy influence his work?
Rothko’s artistic philosophy, grounded in the idea of transcending the mundane, is reflected in the contemplative and immersive nature of his paintings. His philosophical approach adds layers of meaning to his art.
What impact did Mark Rothko have on the art world during his time?
Mark Rothko had a profound impact on the art world during his time, influencing the development of abstract expressionism and inspiring subsequent generations of artists. His legacy continues to shape contemporary art.
Why is Mark Rothko considered an influential American artist?
Mark Rothko is considered influential due to his pioneering role in the abstract expressionism movement, his distinctive color field paintings, and his lasting impact on the trajectory of American art.
How do Mark Rothko’s paintings challenge traditional notions of art?
Rothko’s paintings challenge traditional notions of art by prioritizing emotion, spirituality, and the viewer’s experience over representational forms. His work encourages a reevaluation of what art can be and the diverse ways it can resonate with individuals.
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Related Questions
Why Paintings Like Rothko’s No. 6 (Violet, Green, & Red) Are Expensive
Mark Rothko’s No 6 (Violet, Green, and Red – 1951) was sold in 2014 for 140,000.000 Euro or over 184,000,000 USD. A huge amount for any painting. Many of Mark Rothko’s paintings continue to fetch record numbers at auction houses worldwide.
By clicking here, you can learn more by reading Why Paintings Like Rothko’s No. 6 (Violet, Green, & Red) Are Expensive.
What Makes Mark Rothko’s Paintings So Valuable?
Mark Rothko’s paintings have been valuable for many years; they are in high demand and continue to fetch record prices around the globe. At first glance, the paintings may look simple, but upon closer look, they are very complex; they are meant to evoke our emotions and to transport us to another realm.
By clicking here, you can discover more by reading What Makes Mark Rothko’s Paintings So Valuable?.
The Last Painting Created By Mark Rothko Before His Death
Mark Rothko’s final painting, a bright red painting called Untitled, 1970 many feel symbolizes blood, particularly his blood as he died from an overdose and slashing his wrists; Mark Rothko was 66 years old and left no suicide note. We know that before his death, he also painted a black and grey series that many have felt was his painted suicide note.
By clicking here, you can learn more by reading The Last Painting Created By Mark Rothko Before His Death.
