American
b. June 25, 1923, San Mateo, California ⏤
d. November 4, 1994, Santa Monica, California

Sam Francis was an Abstract Expressionist painter and lithographer, known for his exuberant use of color. He created thousands of paintings as well as works on paper, prints and monotypes. Regarded as one of the leading interpreters of color and light, his work holds references to New York abstract expressionism, color field painting, Chinese and Japanese art, French impressionism and his own Bay Area roots.

Francis traveled and studied extensively, maintaining studios in Bern, Paris, Tokyo, Mexico City, New York and Northern and Southern California. Through his travels he was exposed to many styles, techniques and cultural influences, which informed the development of his own dialogue and style of painting. He possessed a lyrical and gestural hand, enabling him to capture and record the brilliance, energy and intensity of color at different moments of time and periods of his life. His paintings embody his love of literature, music and science, while reflecting his deep range of emotions and personal turmoil.

Sam Francis artworks are represented in most museums internationally. Solo exhibitions of his work continue to circulate through major art museums in the United States and abroad.