Paints:
* Oil paint: This was Rothko's primary medium. He used a rich, opaque oil paint applied in thick layers.
* Acrylic paint: In his later career, Rothko began experimenting with acrylic paints, which dried faster and allowed for greater color intensity.
Support:
* Canvas: He stretched his canvases tightly, creating a smooth surface for his paint to adhere to.
Preparation:
* Primer: Before applying paint, Rothko would prime his canvases with multiple layers of a thin white gesso. This created a durable and slightly textured surface that held the paint well.
* Glazes: He also employed a technique of applying thin layers of transparent glazes over his oil paint. This created a subtle depth and luminosity to his colors.
Other Materials:
* Brushes: He used a variety of brushes, including large flat brushes for applying broad washes of color and smaller brushes for finer details.
* Palette knives: He also used palette knives to apply and blend his paint, achieving textural variations.
Rothko's meticulous layering and careful choice of materials allowed him to create the distinctive and contemplative atmosphere that characterizes his paintings.