Sam was born in Italy in 1956 and immigrated to Canada with his family when he was 10 years old. He studied at Ottawa Technical High School and took numerous courses related to the trades. He decided to focus on art as he realized he was quite passionate about painting and drawing. He continued his education in art by studying Animation at Algonquin College. After graduating, he worked as a background artist for various children’s cartoon shows (The Magic School Bus, Ace Ventura, Robin Hood, etc.). He continued working in the field until the animation industry dried up in Ottawa. Once that happened, he began painting for his own enjoyment. He is essentially self-taught, but after many years of experimentation, he decided to enroll in two of Robert Bateman’s workshops. One was located in Wyoming and the other in Montana. Bateman offered great critiques of Sam’s submitted pieces. When it comes to preferred subject matter, Sam loves painting natural landscapes and wildlife, oscillating between the use of acrylics and oils. He enjoys challenging himself with various mediums since his passion is to create art in any way possible!
