In the late 1960s Bernède moved into a period of colourful abstraction which lasted until 1984, when he began to experiment with the almost monochrome style which has become his trademark. Inspired by oriental calligraphy as much as the example of the great American Abstract Expressionists, Bernède paints gesturally, mostly in black on a white ground. He also uses edges of colour (such as blue or brown) to emphasise and enhance his forms, like grace notes or improvisations on the main design. Improvisation is an apt term, for Bernède's mature work has much in common with music - in its pursuit of rhythm, form and flow.