Sam Francis (1923–1994) was an influential American painter and printmaker known for his vibrant use of color and innovative approach to abstract expressionism. Born in San Mateo, California, he studied at the University of California, Berkeley, before serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. After the war, he pursued art studies at the California School of Fine Arts and became involved in the San Francisco art scene.
Francis is best recognized for his large-scale canvases that feature bold splashes of color and dynamic compositions, often incorporating techniques such as pouring and dripping paint. His work reflects a deep engagement with the interplay of light and color, drawing inspiration from both Eastern philosophies and Western art movements.
In the 1950s, he moved to Paris, where he became connected with European avant-garde artists, further expanding his artistic vocabulary. Over his prolific career, Francis explored various media, including painting, printmaking, and works on paper, and he became known for his collaborations with major print studios.
His art is celebrated for its emotive power and fluidity, and he exhibited extensively in galleries and museums worldwide. Today, Sam Francis's legacy endures as a vital part of the abstract expressionist movement, and his works are held in major collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.