Sam Francis
November 1, 2011
Another Speck
, 1972
Lithography
Published by: The Litho Shop Inc.
Gift: Steinmetz Family, 2001
Yunan State I
, 1971
5 Color Lithography
Published By: Gemini G.E.L. • Edition Printing: Lloyd Baggs
Gift: Steinmetz Family, 2001
Yunan State III
, 1971
5 Color Lithography
Published By: Gemini G.E.L. • Edition Printing: Lloyd Baggs
Gift: Steinmetz Family, 2001
Post-war American painter and printmaker Sam Francis is associated with the abstract expressionist movement. Artists that served as strong influences to him were Jackson Pollock and Clyfford Still, yet Francis’ use of space and his sensitivity to light has developed into his own style.
Born in Northern California, Francis studied botany, medicine and psychology at the University of California at Berkeley. Francis served in the United States Air Force during World War II and was injured during a test flight maneuver. While recovering in the hospital, Francis began to paint and decided to return to his alma mater to study art.
In the 1950’s, Francis spent time in Paris, the south of France, Tokyo, Mexico City, Bern, and New York City. Francis was described by Time Magazine as “the hottest American painter in Paris.” Influenced by his travels, Francis developed his work from monochromatic abstraction to his more iconic, colorful works.
Of the three works by Sam Francis included in the Escalette Collection of Art at Chapman University, one is on public display. All three of the works represent the artist’s later, more colorful style. The two “open” paintings that have large areas of whiteness create a strong line and leave the center of the painting up to the viewer’s imagination. Another Speck, from 1972, represents a richly-colored small-scale mural that displays the artist’s movement throughout the canvas.
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