1923, San Mateo/USA1994, Santa Monica/USA

Biography

1923

Born June 23 in San Mateo, California

1941 – 1943

Studies Botanics, Medicine and Psychology

1943 - 1945

A plane accident during Army Air Corps flight training as well as progressing illness hospitalizes him for years. Begins painting during this period

1948 – 1950

Studies Painting with Mark Rothko and Clyfford Still

1950 - 1958

Lives and works primarily in Paris and the south of France

1952

First Solo exhibition in Paris

1956

Takes part in the exhibition "12 Americans" at the Museum of Modern Art, New York

1958

Solo exhibition in Tokyo and Osaka

1963

Takes part in the 32th Biennal in Venice

1968

Receives a Honorary Doctorate from the University of Californa, Berkeley

1970

Begins to look into "Action-Painting"

1983

Receives the order of "Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" from France

1992

Assignment of the German Bundestag to create a wall-painting

1994

Sam Francis dies November 24 in Santa Monica