Artistically, Sam Francis can be put into the category of action painting, an artform that influenced american art of the fifties and sixties decisively. Loosely cohesive specks are joined to form a fabric of overlapping islands of colour in a fluent application. Unlike other american painters Sam Francis has repeatedly lived in Paris and with his painting continues the european tradition of "suggestive colour". His works are based on strong contrasts in red, blue and yellow, that develop their luminance on the deep white background. Colour and space are the primary factors of Sam Francis' painting. While white implies emptiness, infinity and meditative calm, the brilliant colours signify energy, power and joy of living and painting.