Paul Jenkins is celebrated for his innovative approach to painting that intertwines chance and control. His technique of dribbling paint bears a striking resemblance to the methods of Jackson Pollock, with whom he shared a close personal and professional relationship. However, Jenkins distinguished himself by allowing the paint to roll, pool, and bleed onto loose canvas, creating dynamic compositions that evoke a sense of movement and fluidity.
Utilizing tools such as an ivory knife, Jenkins skillfully guided the flow of paint, a process he termed "controlled paint-pouring." This method enabled him to manipulate the pigments while still embracing the inherent unpredictability of the medium. The result is a striking interplay of transparency and translucence in his colors, particularly evident in his works from the 1950s, where hues seem to vibrate and interact with one another, enhancing the viewer's sensory experience.
Paul Jenkins’ Phenomena Ritual Year is part of his renowned Phenomena series, where he explored the interplay of light, color, and abstraction through poured techniques. Characterized by fluid transitions of vibrant flowing color, Phenomena Ritual Year epitomizes Jenkins signature paint-pouring technique. Reminiscent of natural phenomena like flowing water or swirling clouds, Jenkins creates a harmonious image. His paintings from this era often evoke natural landscapes or celestial imagery, emphasizing the dynamic interaction between opacity and transparency.
Jenkins was a master of paint-pouring technique and his paintings and works on paper are renowned for their luminous and translucent qualities. He often used a combination of acrylic paints and pouring mediums. He would pour the liquid paint directly onto the canvas or tilt the surface to guide the flow of the paint, allowing it to interact and blend spontaneously. The results of Jenkins' paintings are visually stunning and emotionally evocative.
Influenced by the theories of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, the father of analytical psychology, the teachings of the I-Ching, and the imagery of Symbolist painter Odilon Redon, Paul Jenkins described himself as an "abstract phenomenist." Consequently, his works are influenced by his own inward reflection and mysticism.