"China Grade" Textured Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas Textured abstract composition by California artist Charles "Dave" Francis (American, 1951-2018). Blended colors and media are layered upon each other, creating a variety of textures with a natural feel. Sand (or another similar media) has been added to the paint and is coupled with a drybrush technique that creates areas of depth and shadow. Titled, signed, and dated on verso: "China Grade" Dave Francis 1997 No frame. Canvas size: 40"H x 30"W Charles David "Dave" Francis (American, 1951-2018) was an artist from Santa Cruz, California. He worked in acrylic and stained glass, specifically because the two methods are so dissimilar: "My paintings are very loose and expressive while my stained glass is structured and very much "within the lines". Painting is an exploration and discovery process. I put paint down in many layers until I produce an image I find exciting. In contrast, my stained glass requires a lot of planning and very exacting execution."