Having lived in both New York and Europe throughout his artistic career, Sydney Ball's work is a reflection of his architectural surroundings. Working in both hard-edge abstraction, figurative and expressionistic styles, Ball's use of bright primary colours has remained a distinct entity throughout the development of his artistic career. During the period of the late 70s, Ball was heavily influenced by the American Colour Field painters in which their free and lively use of technique and colour are reflected his work.

Sydney Ball is currently represented in MOMA, New York, all Australian state galleries, National Gallery of Australia as well as Parliament House and various international collections.