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Samuel Lewis Francis (American, 1923-1994), Untitled abstract, acrylic on paper, rendered in gestural strokes of indigo and splashes of magenta. Signed with inscription, "For Jan," and date "Oct Nov 1988" en verso. Don Francis, Venice CA framing label en verso. Float mounted and matted under plexiglass in a natural wood frame. Sight: 14 5/8" H x 6 1/8" W. Framed: 23 1/2" H x 14 1/2" W. Note: this work is #11982 in the Sam Francis Catalog Raisonne.  Biography: Abstract expressionist painter Sam Francis was born in California and studied at UC Berkeley. An air crash during his time in the Army Air Corps led to a prolonged recovery period during which he took up painting, he eventually earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in art from the University of California. Francis initially was part of the Bay Area abstract group that included his teacher David Park, along with Clyfford Still and Richard Diebenkorn. In 1950, as his work began to attract wider attention, he moved overseas to work in Paris, where he gained inspiration from the colors of the Impressionists and the Orient and where he began experiments with negative space that would lead to his pioneering use of "empty center" paintings. In 1962, Francis settled back in Santa Monica where he continued to paint and create prints until his death in 1994. His work is known for its references to New York abstract expressionism, color field painting, Chinese and Japanese art, French impressionism and his own Bay Area roots. (Sources: The Sam Francis Foundation; Marika Herskovic, American Abstract Expressionism of the 1950s, An Illustrated Survey; Peter Hastings Falk (Editor), Who Was Who in American Art; Matthew Baigell, Dictionary of American Art.)
PROVENANCE: The collection of Jan Anderson, formerly of California. Anderson was curator of Sam Francis's "The Litho Shop" in Santa Monica, CA from 1983-1992.
CONDITION: Foxing to backing board and one small spot on mat. The painting itself is in excellent condition. N
