Sam Francis

American painter Sam Francis’s abstract expressionist work is credited for helping to bring attention to American postwar painting. He cycled through several phases of his artistry – his early work in the 1950’s often featured amorphous, undefined shapes, concerning itself with using color in expressive ways. As time went on, he explored new techniques, focusing for a time on bold, monochromatic abstractions. He would also experiment with drop and splatter work reminiscent of Pollock’s style, eventually moving on to more clearly defined gridlike patterns. Toward the end of his career, he owned a print shop, where he undertook an active artistic practice in printmaking.