From Tokyo #3 1970

Sam Francis made this painting, titled "From Tokyo #3," using watercolor on paper. The artwork is a delicate dance of color and form. Its composition is formed by overlapping translucent bands, each a wash of vibrant hues that bleed and blend into one another. Look closely and you will see how the fluidity of the watercolor medium is exploited to create soft edges and atmospheric effects. Splatters and drips of pigment across the surface are a reminder of the artist's hand and the immediacy of the creative process. Francis painted this artwork during a period in which he was living and working in Tokyo. The lightness and luminosity of the painting are a reflection of the artist’s engagement with Japanese aesthetics, particularly the art of calligraphy. By embracing chance and improvisation, Francis challenges traditional notions of artistic control, creating a work that celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the inherent qualities of his chosen materials.