Sam Francis

Sam Francis was an American painter whose breakthrough into America came with his participation in the exhibition of, Twelve Americans in the New York Museum of Modern Art in 1956. During this time of Sam's life his style changed from monochrome compositions to colorful. Sam Francis was initially influenced by the abstract expressionists and later became associated with second generation abstract expressionists. Sam Francis spent the 1950's in Paris and it was there his first exhibition was held at the Galerie Nina Dausset. His art while there was influenced by his exposure to French modern painting, Asian culture and Zen Buddhism. During the 50's, Sam's art would evolve through a series of stages from monochromatic abstractions to richly colored murals. Sam Francis's calligraphic characteristic of applying color with lyrical properties of liquid paint are referred to as, Asian art. He traveled the world with these pieces visiting: Japan, Thailand and India showing the painting at exhibitions in Tokyo and Osaka. He then went on to develop a personal style of spontaneous and gestic drippings. Sam created his art by applying acrylic, oil and watercolors to the image by using revolving and splashing motions. Sam Francis then changed his technique again in the 1970's by covering his surfaces with a net-like structure, and again when he began to use lithography, etching and monotype. He created some expressive compositions while experimenting in the 1980's by partially running colors. With this style Sam received some large commissions for mural work. (Artist website)