Untitled From Pasadena Box Lembark L60 by Sam Francis
Untitled From Pasadena Box Lembark L60
Sam Francis and the Language of Abstraction
This untitled work from Sam Francis’s Pasadena Box series distills the artist’s mastery of color and space into a compact yet explosive composition. Created during a period when Francis was refining his approach to Abstract Expressionism, the print captures the tension between spontaneity and control—a hallmark of his mature work. The central void, surrounded by vibrant splashes of blue, red, and ochre, invites the viewer into a dynamic visual dialogue. Unlike the dense, layered canvases of his earlier career, this piece demonstrates Francis’s ability to achieve depth through minimal means, a shift that aligned with his growing interest in Eastern philosophy and the concept of ma, or negative space.
The Pasadena Box series, produced in the 1960s, marked a turning point for Francis. As the Art Story notes, this period saw the artist moving away from the all-over compositions of his 1950s work toward more structured, almost architectural arrangements. The stark contrast between the empty center and the energetic periphery in this print reflects Francis’s belief that “painting is about the beauty of space and the power of silence.” The work’s smaller scale—originally part of a portfolio of lithographs—makes it particularly suited to intimate settings, where its luminous colors can interact with natural light.
Sam Francis and the California Light
Sam Francis’s connection to California—where he was born and later returned after years in Paris—profoundly influenced his use of color. The luminous blues and whites in this print evoke the coastal light of his native state, a quality that distinguished his work from the darker palettes of his New York School contemporaries. By the 1960s, Francis had synthesized the gestural freedom of Abstract Expressionism with a more meditative approach, often working in series to explore variations on a theme. The Pasadena Box lithographs, created in collaboration with the renowned Lembark Workshop, exemplify this period of experimentation.
Unlike many Abstract Expressionists who emphasized the physical act of painting, Francis treated his prints as extensions of his philosophical inquiries. The Museum of Modern Art highlights how his printmaking allowed for a “controlled spontaneity,” where the accidental bleeds and textures of lithography became integral to the composition. In this work, the irregular edges of the colored forms suggest the organic process of printmaking, while the precise white borders ground the image in deliberate structure. The result is a piece that feels both improvisational and meticulously composed—a duality that defines Francis’s legacy.
Francis’s genius lay in his ability to make absence feel as charged as presence. The empty center here isn’t a void but a catalyst, forcing the surrounding colors into a state of vibrant tension.
The Making of a Modern Masterpiece
Composition: The Power of the Void
The central white space in this print isn’t merely negative—it’s an active participant in the composition. Francis often spoke of his fascination with Japanese sumi-e painting, where the untouched paper carries as much weight as the ink. Here, the irregular shape of the void creates a sense of breathing room, while the asymmetrical placement of the colored forms draws the eye in a circular motion. The larger blue mass on the left counterbalances the scattered red and ochre accents on the right, demonstrating Francis’s intuitive understanding of visual weight.
Color: Layered Luminosity
The colors in this lithograph were achieved through multiple passes on the printing stone, allowing for subtle variations in opacity. The deep ultramarine blue—reminiscent of the Pacific Ocean—was a signature of Francis’s palette, often juxtaposed with warmer tones to create vibrational contrast. The red and ochre elements appear almost to float above the blue, an effect enhanced by the matte finish of the paper. Unlike his oil paintings, where pigments could be blended directly on the canvas, the print medium required Francis to previsualize these interactions, resulting in a more deliberate yet equally dynamic surface.
Own This Icon of Abstract Expressionism
Bring home a gallery-framed print of Sam Francis’s Untitled From Pasadena Box Lembark L60, where every detail—from the archival inks to the precision-cut mat—honors the artist’s original vision. Free worldwide shipping ensures it arrives ready to display, with no hidden costs or delays.
Add to Cart — Ships FreeWhere This Print Shines: A Designer’s Guide
At 30×40 cm (12×16 inches), this framed print makes a bold statement without overwhelming a space. The dominant blues and whites pair effortlessly with coastal or Scandinavian interiors, where the color palette can echo cerulean accents or crisp white walls. For a dramatic contrast, position it against a deep charcoal or warm terracotta background—the red and ochre flecks will pop against darker tones. In a minimalist setting, let the print stand alone above a console or floating shelf; in more eclectic spaces, it complements organic textures like rattan or linen. The gallery-style frame, with its clean lines and neutral finish, ensures the artwork remains the focal point whether hung in a sunlit corridor or a moody study.
What frame and materials are included?
Each print arrives in a premium gallery frame with a crisp white mat and UV-protective acrylic glazing. The frame is crafted from sustainably sourced wood, finished in a versatile neutral tone that complements any decor. No assembly is required—it’s ready to hang straight out of the box.
Where do you ship, and how long does delivery take?
We offer free shipping to every country, with no minimum purchase. Delivery typically takes 5–10 business days, depending on your location. All orders include end-to-end tracking, and our packaging is designed to protect the print during transit, no matter the distance.
How long will the colors stay vibrant?
Our prints use archival-quality inks rated to resist fading for 80+ years under normal lighting conditions. The UV-protective acrylic glazing blocks harmful light exposure, while the acid-free mat and backing prevent yellowing over time. This ensures your Sam Francis print retains its original impact for decades.
What’s your return policy?
If you’re not completely satisfied, you may return your print within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We cover return shipping costs, and our team provides a prepaid label for hassle-free processing. The print must be in its original packaging and condition to qualify.
Sources & Further Reading
- The Art Story. "Sam Francis." Accessed 2026.
- Museum of Modern Art. "Sam Francis: Works in the Collection." MoMA, New York.
- Smithsonian American Art Museum. "Sam Francis." Washington, D.C.
More Works by Sam Francis
Explore the evolution of Francis’s abstract language through these four framed prints, each showcasing his mastery of color and form.
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Further Reading
Dive deeper into Sam Francis’s influence on modern art and design with these editorial features from our journal.
Ready to Bring Francis Home?
This framed print of Untitled From Pasadena Box Lembark L60 arrives ready to hang, with free global shipping and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Own a piece of Abstract Expressionism’s legacy—no hidden fees, no compromises.
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