#118. - Original Color Monoprint on handmade paper, with paint, published by Experimental Printmaking
Sam Francis’s In, On and Of Paper, #1 (1977) is a mixed media piece measuring 76.2 x 61 cm, created as an original color monoprint on handmade paper with additional paint. The artwork displays Francis’s signature abstract style, characterized by vibrant splashes of blue, red, and yellow across the textured paper. In the center, a loosely defined geometric form anchors the composition, with dynamic splatters radiating outward. The interplay of colors, combined with the expressive brushstrokes and splatters, creates a sense of movement and spontaneity. Francis’s work often delves into the emotional impact of color, inviting viewers to explore feelings evoked by the lively, layered visuals. The handmade paper adds a unique texture, enhancing the depth and tactile quality of the piece.
Sam Francis (USA, 1923–1994) was an influential abstract painter known for his vibrant, color-drenched canvases. Associated with Abstract Expressionism and Lyrical Abstraction, his work often featured dynamic splashes and drips, exploring light, space, and movement with a global artistic perspective.
Mixed MediaMixed media refers to artwork that incorporates more than one medium within a single piece. Unlike multimedia art, which combines distinct forms of visual art and often includes elements like sound, video, or digital media, mixed media focuses on combining traditional art materials, such as paint, ink, and collage. Mixed media art allows artists to achieve a wide range of effects and textures by layering and blending different materials.
#118. - Original Color Monoprint on handmade paper, with paint, published by Experimental Printmaking
Sam Francis’s In, On and Of Paper, #1 (1977) is a mixed media piece measuring 76.2 x 61 cm, created as an original color monoprint on handmade paper with additional paint. The artwork displays Francis’s signature abstract style, characterized by vibrant splashes of blue, red, and yellow across the textured paper. In the center, a loosely defined geometric form anchors the composition, with dynamic splatters radiating outward. The interplay of colors, combined with the expressive brushstrokes and splatters, creates a sense of movement and spontaneity. Francis’s work often delves into the emotional impact of color, inviting viewers to explore feelings evoked by the lively, layered visuals. The handmade paper adds a unique texture, enhancing the depth and tactile quality of the piece.
Sam Francis (USA, 1923–1994) was an influential abstract painter known for his vibrant, color-drenched canvases. Associated with Abstract Expressionism and Lyrical Abstraction, his work often featured dynamic splashes and drips, exploring light, space, and movement with a global artistic perspective.
Sam Francis was an American painter whose breakthrough into America came with his participation in the exhibition of, Twelve Americans in the New York Museum of Modern Art in 1956. During this time of Sam's life his style changed from monochrome compositions to colorful. Sam Francis was initially influenced by the abstract expressionists and later became associated with second generation abstract expressionists. Sam Francis spent the 1950's in Paris and it was there his first exhibition was held at the Galerie Nina Dausset. His art while there was influenced by his exposure to French modern painting, Asian culture and Zen Buddhism. During the 50's, Sam's art would evolve through a series of stages from monochromatic abstractions to richly colored murals. Sam Francis's calligraphic characteristic of applying color with lyrical properties of liquid paint are referred to as, Asian art. He traveled the world with these pieces visiting: Japan, Thailand and India showing the painting at exhibitions in Tokyo and Osaka. He then went on to develop a personal style of spontaneous and gestic drippings. Sam created his art by applying acrylic, oil and watercolors to the image by using revolving and splashing motions. Sam Francis then changed his technique again in the 1970's by covering his surfaces with a net-like structure, and again when he began to use lithography, etching and monotype. He created some expressive compositions while experimenting in the 1980's by partially running colors. With this style Sam received some large commissions for mural work. (Artist website)
Action Painting is a style of painting where the physical act of creating art—such as gestural brushstrokes, splashing or dripping paint, or moving and dancing while applying paint—is considered essential to the artwork itself. This approach emphasizes the artist's movement and spontaneity as integral to the creative process.