Sketchbook

Sydney Ball was among the most significant Australian abstractionists of the mid - late 20th century. His early study and influences in Adelaide were challenged by his exposure to American Abstract Expressionist painting in New York, where he lived from 1963-65 and 1969-71. During this time Ball studied lithography with Harry Sternberg (American, 1904-2001) and painting with Abstract expressionist Theodoros Stamos (1922-97) at the Art Students League, New York.

Ball's American experience had a profound influence on his work; his was a central inclusion in the landmark NGV exhibition of Australian abstraction 'The Field' in 1968, and his work had a strong influence on a generation of younger painters who shared his interest in Greenberg-ian abstraction.

Ball developed many of his visual ideas in sketchbooks, which he retained throughout his life as a source for paintings and other works. While some of the ideas first developed in the books were realised in more finished works, others remain as a record of his visual and conceptual imagination.