Sam Francis, Untitled Watercolor, 1965

Artist: Sam Francis (1923 - 1994)
Title:Sam Francis Untitled Watercolor, 1965
Medium:Unique Original Gouache and Watercolor on Paper
Image Size:13 in x 22 in (33 cm x 56 cm)
Sheet Size:13 in x 22 in (33 cm x 56 cm)
Framed Size:21 in x 30 in (53.34 cm x 76.2 cm)
Edition:A unique and original gouache and watercolor
Signature:This work is hand-signed and dated by Sam Francis (San Mateo, 1923- Santa Monica, 1994) on the verso
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #W-5609

Historical Description

Sam Francis watercolor Untitled Watercolor, 1965 is as beautiful as it is unique. Francis was a modern Renaissance man who incorporated religion, technology, science and psychology into his artistic practice. Notably, he became fascinated with Zen Buddhism and Asian culture after traveling to Japan. From these influences, his paintings from 1950 onward transitioned from monochromatic abstractions towards paintings that feature large areas of whiteness.

In this image, the central white space dominates the paper. Hand-painted by Francis, each color surrounding the page blends seamlessly together. Francis once said “painting is about the beauty of space and the power of containment”. In this watercolor, we see the artist evidently playing with borders. The strokes of color eventually disappear from the page, subtly altering the dimensional appearance of the paper. At a glance, the border seems to be colored with red, blue, black and green. However, a closer look quickly reveals that each color is gently layered with splatters of paint. Every brush stroke is pronounced as the artist’s hand becomes more spontaneous.

For Francis, color was an expression of dialogue and emotion. His gestural hand enables him to capture the brilliance and energy of each color. Each painting embodies his energy and his personal turmoils. These slight details combine considerably to enhance the unique quality of this work.

Created in 1965, this unique original gouache and watercolor on paper is hand-signed and dated by Sam Francis (San Mateo, 1923- Santa Monica, 1994) on the verso.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Sam Francis Untitled Watercolor, 1965 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices accompanying the final sale of the work).

1. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards Sam Francis Untitled Watercolor, 1965 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical-grade Plexiglas.