Sam Francis

Date of Birth: June 25, 1923

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: November 4, 1994

Biography

Sam Francis was an influential American painter and printmaker known for his vibrant, abstract expressionist works. Born in San Mateo, California, Francis initially studied botany, medicine, and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. His artistic career began in earnest after World War II, when he was recovering from spinal tuberculosis. His early work showed influences from Abstract Expressionism, but he quickly developed his own unique style characterized by bold colors, dynamic compositions, and a sense of spontaneity. Throughout his career, Francis’s work was exhibited in major galleries and museums around the world, including the Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. He was also a prolific printmaker and had a significant influence on the development of color lithography. In addition to his visual art, Francis was an avid writer and philosopher, often reflecting on the nature of creativity and the human experience.

5 Interesting Facts about Sam Francis

1. Sam Francis served as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II before an aircraft accident led to his hospitalization and eventual shift to painting.

2. His works are often associated with the second generation of Abstract Expressionists, but he also drew significant influence from French Impressionists and Japanese art.

3. Francis was one of the first American artists to gain international acclaim, particularly in Europe and Japan.

4. He founded the Lapis Press in 1984, a publishing house that specialized in producing artist books and fine art editions.

5. Sam Francis was a prolific artist, creating thousands of paintings, prints, and works on paper over his lifetime.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sam Francis

1. “Color is born of the interpenetration of light and dark.”

2. “Painting is about the beauty of space and the power of containment.”

3. “Every moment of our life must be an act of love.”

4. “Art is a way of recognizing oneself.”

5. “I work until the painting is done and I do not stop until I have to.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Sam Francis’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million, derived from the sale of his artworks, prints, and his publishing house.