This is an early artwork by Innes and explores repetitious marks on a painterly ground. He made this work flat on the floor by pouring yellow shellac onto canvas and dropping black oil paint carefully onto the wet surface, leaving the two conflicting materials to react. As is the case with many of his paintings, Innes explores the boundaries between control and chaos. He has said, ‘… chance is involved, but … it’s organised chance, because I’m controlling it the whole way.’ Innes also explores the tension between depth and surface in this painting. From a distance the work resembles an aerial landscape but close up the surface is rich and tactile, reminding us that a painting, however atmospheric, is ultimately just materials on canvas.