Sam Francis’ amorphous forms fluidly expand, vibrate, separate and reunite like torrents of bubbles. Originally from California, Francis (1923 – 1994) studied botany, psychology and medicine before he began painting while hospitalized for a lengthy illness. Using bright oils and sheer watercolors, Francis painted cell-like clusters of asymmetrical forms. He adopted the French Tachisme style, which allows free-flowing paint to create a spontaneous design. Francis was also inspired by the Japanese technique of incorporating large white expanses into artwork. With work displayed in respected museums such as New York’s Guggenheim and Museum of Modern Art, Francis is considered one of the United States’ preeminent contemporary masters.

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