Untitled (SFP53-31) 1953

Sam Francis created this ‘Untitled’ painting with expressive brushstrokes of blue. The material, which appears to be watercolor, has a fluid quality, lending itself well to the watery depths he has evoked here. Francis has applied the pigment in layers, creating varying intensities of color and opacity. The drips suggest a dynamic process, and the texture of the paper is also visible, contributing to a sense of immediacy. It feels as though we are witnessing the action of painting itself. The loose, gestural application of paint defies traditional notions of precision or control, embracing a more intuitive approach. This focus on the raw act of creation, coupled with the inherent qualities of the materials, challenges conventional distinctions between fine art and craft. Here, the process becomes as important as the final image.