In 1970, American Abstract artist Sam Francis established his own printing studio, The Litho Shop, in Santa Monica, California. Francis employed a full time staff of Master Printers in his studio, a notion that was practically unheard of at this time. Along with the aid of his skilled team, Francis was able to print with the same ease and immediacy as was possible in his painting and through copious experimentation vast aquatints such as Trietto 3 were created. Whilst best known for his brilliance of colour, it's important to acknowledge the part his splatters and spots play in the dynamism between his forms. It is because of these energetic, animated marks that the presence of the artist's hand can be significantly felt, uniting both process and print.

Aquatint in colours, 1991, on Fabriano paper, signed in pencil, numbered from the standard edition of 66, printed by Valter & Eleonora Rossi at Vigna Antoniniana Stamperia d'Arte, Rome, published by 2RC Edizioni d'Arte, Rome, 97.2 x 135.3 cm. (38¼ x 53¼ in.)