Sam Francis (June 25, 1923 – November 4, 1994) was a painter and printmaker known for his colorful, large scale abstract paintings. His artwork aligns with the Abstract Expressionist, Color Field, and Art Informel (European form of Impressionism) movements, also taking influence from Asian culture. Before making art his primary occupation, Francis earned a BA and MA in botany and psychology from UC Berkley. In 1945, Francis briefly served in the US Air Force but was discharged after being injured in a test flight. He took up painting after a being visited by painter David Park while in the hospital. During the 1950s, Francis traveled around Europe and Asia, taking note of cultural art. In the last two decades of his life, Francis founded several companies and helped organize art foundations. Francis’ legacy is honored through the Sam Francis Foundation, created after his death. His commendations include membership in the National Academy of Design. Francis’ works are held in collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; the Kunstmuseum Basel, Switzerland; and the Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris.