Sam
Francis
1923 – 1994
“Painting is about the beauty of space and the power of containment.”
Bio
Samuel Lewis Francis was born on June 25, 1923, in San Mateo, California. An American abstract painter, his vibrant, light-filled works were shaped by global influences and a deep sensitivity to color, space, and form. After a spinal injury during WWII led him to painting, he studied with artist David Park and embraced Abstract Expressionism, eventually developing a personal style marked by dripping forms and luminous expanses. Living in Paris, Japan, and California, Francis produced large-scale murals and evolved his style over decades—from bold mandala-like shapes to austere grids and colorful, serpentine drips. Beyond painting, he founded a lithography studio, publishing house, energy company, and the Sam Francis Art Museum to sustain his legacy.
Sam Francis
A Sail
22" x 30"
Original lithograph printed in six colors (yellow, orange, red, red-orange, blue, blue-violet) on BFK Rives wove paper
Sam Francis
Trietto IV
52" x 65.5"
Original aquatint printed in 15 colors from 4 copper plates on Fabriano wove paper