Yellow Islands by Jackson Pollock

At a glance, Jackson Pollock's, Yellow Islands, resembles a map of the Caribbean, with greater and smaller islands stretching over the canvas, separated by a sea of tumultuous lines. Dark, rich color swirls between each pair of nearby isles.

This painting was completed in 1952. During that time, Pollock was focusing most of his work on monotones. There is a marked difference between this painting and one such as Blue Poles, which features a wide range of colours. The palette used for "Yellow Islands" seems to have been limited to just about 4 colours.

The rhythmic patterns express his thoughts. Black paint takes up most of this particular composition, with touches of crimson and bigger areas of bright yellow strategically placed to fulfill his vision.

It seems that the painting began as a black canvas. One, Number 14, Silver On Black and Number 33 all display a heavy emphasis on beautiful dark tones.

Pollock's emphasis in this painting was on the statement he hoped to make. He was known for applying viscous pant through pouring and other unusual but effective techniques.

For him, accurate expression through, "Yellow Islands" was more important than sticking to a method that others said was the only way to create a painting.

The painting shows evidence of his preferred methods of applying paint. The impact made by the liquid as it was hurled or thrown against the canvas leaves and impression that is impossible to create with the soft strokes of a brush. As an Abstract Expressionist, he is remarkable.

The originality evident in his painting shows why Pollock is regarded as one of the greatest American painters.

Yellow Islands displays the complexity and energy which fans of action painting have come to expect. As with every part of nature, islands are subjected to the elements around them. This may be reflected in the turmoil of surrounding colour in Pollock's composition.