VAV, painted in 1960 by Morris Louis, is a superb example of Color Field painting. This abstract work features layered veils of thinned acrylic paint, creating a luminous and atmospheric composition.

Morris Louis (1912-1962) was an American painter and a major figure in the Color Field movement, a style of abstract painting that emerged in the late 1940s. Louis, along with Kenneth Noland, is credited with developing the 'stain painting' technique, where thinned acrylic paint is poured onto unprimed canvas, allowing the colour to soak directly into the fabric. This method eliminated the brushstroke and emphasised the flatness of the picture plane. VAV, created in 1960, exemplifies Louis's mature style. It features a large, central form composed of layered veils of thinned acrylic paint. The dominant colour is a deep, earthy brown, which appears to cascade down the canvas. Edges of the form are defined by subtle gradations of red and yellow, creating a luminous halo effect. The painting's surface is smooth and unmodulated, with the colour itself becoming the primary subject. The lower portion of the canvas reveals hints of blue and green, adding depth and complexity to the composition. The overall effect is one of ethereal lightness and atmospheric depth, despite the limited palette.