Exploring Mark Rothko's paintings on paper

His abstract expressionist canvases are among the most recognizable of all 20th century artists' works. But Mark Rothko (1903-1970) also produced nearly 3,000 pieces on paper - smaller in scale but just as innovative. CBS News chief election & campaign correspondent Robert Costa visits an exhibition at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., that explores the trail of paper works the artist left behind, and talks with curator Adam Greenhalgh, and with the artist's children, Kate Rothko Prizel and Christopher Rothko, about Rothko's remarkable vision.
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[@rr7firefly]

Best part for me: listening to his lovely children commenting on their father's work habits. I get a firm idea of his paternal nature by the tone of their voices when they speak of him.

[@mililaniman]

I love how Rothko's juxtaposes different colors together. I enjoy looking at Rothko's work on paper.

[@normanbonk8064]

I love his art. Prayers.

[@steveconn]

Rothko's paintings have such a mellow, 'interpret one's moods however one likes' feel to their color fields, it's no wonder their popularity. Some good ones at the Guggenheim and his non-denominational chapel in Houston as well (I'm surprised the piece doesn't mention after his suicide the landmark decade-long battle between his heirs and his foundation for his works, which formed the basis of a not too good Robert Redford film Legal Eagles. There was also an award-winning play based on his life, Red, of which the American Southwest Theater Company did a poor adaptation of in 2013). Go see the amazing works of Rothko 🎉❤

[@ranoir]

Had the pleasure of seeing this fantastic exhibit. I absolutely loved it. It was a mini retrospective.

[@lancekoz]

I like some more than others... and maybe having a wall full of them close to each other is a bit ...ummm....redundant, or devaluing. But like a lot of paintings from the era, you really have to see them in person to get the full effect. The size presents an energy, the textures, edges and color blends seen up close really ads to the majesty. I've seen two Pollocks in person, I was quite impressed in a way I never could by seeing them in books.

[@JohnnyNiteTrain]

As I was typing about how I found out about Rothko from Mad Men years ago, the clip came on.

[@mattpierard]

one of my influences in non-rep art; love his work.

[@havefunbesafe]

I like Rothko, I love Twombly.

[@KpxUrz5745]

Truth be told, I actually like Rothko the man more than Rothko's paintings. However, I do take him seriously as an important part of the New York School. There were better artists working in that period. I recall back in graduate art school attending a small party for our department held in a small upper west side apartment. I cannot recall whose apartment, was it a faculty member's or was it maybe Robert Motherwell's? In any case, hanging modestly on the wall was a very small original painting by Rothko. I met and spoke to a famous man at that quiet party: Alger Hiss of "The Pumpkin Papers" and Nixon prosecution fame. Apparently this is the sort of Left Wing character that liberal artist professors choose to hang out with.

[@JonBradhamArtist]

I’ve stood in front of large Rothko paintings in person trying to figure out what I’m missing, why some seem to think they are so deep or moving. I don’t get it. There is some abstract art I love but not this. I think these are big color swatches that a few elite art dealers have spun up into money spinners.

[@JustinCase780]

One of my favorites is in the permanant collection at the National Gallery in D.C. which is titled "Four Colors On Canvas"

[@bloatedsodium7301]

The art world is one of the greatest hustles. The Price Of Everything is a ridiculous art documentary, watch it.

[@JeffreyGillespie]

🙄

[@JohnnyNiteTrain]

I saw it on HBO a few years back. Wild. The gullibility of the art community never ceases to amaze me. Some of these "world renowned" artists were such charlatans, in my opinion anyway.

[@steveconn]

Alot of jealousy of great artists, I guess. Rothko paid his dues.

[@matthewkopp2391]

I don’t think Rothko was a hustler or charlatan. He was commissioned to do huge paintings for a restaurant, But after eating a meal at the restaurant, Rothko abandoned the job, refusing the $35,000 commission and instead donated the works to the Tate museum. His distaste for the commission seems to be because if he accepted it the paintings would be the exclusive audience of the extremely wealthy. “"Anybody who will eat that kind of food for those kind of prices will never look at a painting of mine.”

[@evolvvartstudio]

The “art world” you’re talking about isn’t representative of the art world at large though. Most of us are out here grinding, and so was Rothko. His art didn’t become stratospheric until after his death. It’s the difference between actors doing skilled theatre and the bizarre sphere of Hollywood celebrity. Two completely different things.

[@ramong2277]

The art of imagination is priceless im9

[@melissabruhn1429]

❤ 🤎 💛

[@timeenoughforart]

This is the "Emperor's New Cloths". It is not his art that brings people to tears, it is the cultural momentum. "Brutalism" on canvas? Best colored rectangles of the 20th century? I'm good as long as they match the carpet.

[@ramiyazje]

Tragic and timeless!

[@louhawk559]

Its a secret society money game ...

[@PhilHaddad]

I’m just not getting his art…not getting the vibe at all.

[@SDPBALLCOACH]

@user-uz5k: Think of quiet, and calm, more meditative and Zen like.. For me I have and "obsession" with Clean lines and order, like Frank Lloyd Wright in Architecture, Rothko is soothing and easy to take in.. Does that help..??😊

[@artelisx]

@@SDPBALLCOACH Don’t bother. These types will never get it. Some might even mock you with their sarcasm.

[@amalias8888]

I don't love them and I sure don't get the fascination with color blocks.

[@SDPBALLCOACH]

I suppose the "haters" would prefer a tree in the background or dogs playing poker to "enhance the value"..??

[@ninelt.9825]

Isn't it funny - and SAD, as well - what people are wasting their money on???

[@sandroabate]

Oh please, this is pretentious garbage.

[@boxingandbulldogs6341]

These aren't very impressive.

[@robmeyer7985]

The Emperor Has No Clothes. Sure you can call it art, just as you can call graffiti, or the rag I clean my brushes with, art. But not all art is of equal value. So-called afficionados of Rothko's art must be ecstatic leafing through the Amazon offerings for argyle socks. Go ahead, troll me. You're all delusional.

[@bruceeaton2024]

An artist with so little imagination he took one basic idea and did it to death. This is not great art, just good marketing.

[@seanmcmeown1992]

Can't understand what all the fuss is about his art

[@JeffDoerr]

Rothkos swathes of color paintings chew my behind. Simplistic drivel.😮