Untitled - SF78-235 1978

Sam Francis made this untitled piece with paint, seemingly without too much fuss. The edges are allowed to drip and splatter, which gives it a feeling of being made in the moment. The way Francis handles the red paint is interesting, so fluid, like watercolor. There are small areas of paper left untouched, in geometric forms, creating a kind of reverse structure within the painting. These kinds of gestures and marks really emphasize the painting's surface, reminding me of Helen Frankenthaler's soak-stain method. I see a connection to Franz Kline's boldness, but with a lighter touch. It feels fresh and unfinished in a good way. Artmaking is a constant dialogue, so it is nice to see all of these artists speaking with and through each other in these paintings!