Francis Sprout was born in Tucson, Arizona. He was trained as both an artist and
art historian. Sprout received a BFA from the University of Arizona; an MFA
from the University of California, San Diego; and an MA in African Studies from
the University of California, Los Angeles.
Sprout's paintings are lyrical abstractions with a vigorous patterned quality.
The images are achieved by close observation of the actual patterns of the natural
world. For example, he seeks to depict the infinite color, texture and shape
variations inherent in a cluster of leaves with extreme focus, patience and
craftsmanship.
As an art educator Sprout taught at the University of Denver and was a tenured
professor at Metropolitan State College in Denver. In New York he taught at Pratt
Institute; Manhattanville College; and Purchase College, State University of New
York, Purchase. He is currently teaching studio art and art history at the Vero Beach
Museum of Art.
