Sam Paonessa
Biography
Sam Paonessa was born in 1956 in Niagara Falls, Ontario. He received his formal art education at the Ontario College of Art (currently called the Ontario College of Art and Design). He received a scholarship after graduation and spent several months working in the studios of various professional artists in the Toronto area. During this period of internship, he worked under the highly respected illustrator Will Davies.
When he first began working as a fine artist for Hallmark Inc., Sam came under the tutelage of Brenda Bury, a renowned British portraitist living in Canada, and then with American artist Daniel Greene.
Born: 1956 Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Education:
AOCA Diploma, Ontario College of Art, Toronto, 1975 – 1979
Awarded Canadian Art Studio Scholarship
Advanced or Professional Courses, Centennial College-Bell Centre 1996, 1997, Daniel Greene Workshop, Rochester / NY Title- Portrait Painting 1995, Ovanes Berberian Workshop, Idaho Title- Still Life/ Plein Air Painting 1997,Plein Air Painters of America Workshops, Vermont/ Connecticut 1999, 2001,Academy of Realist Art, Alla Prima Portrait, Figure Painting, 2006, 2008
Artist Statement
My continued study of art through life drawing and “Plein Aire” has contributed to my evolution as an artist, allowing me to express a newly discovered interest in figurative painting.
I am influenced by Sergeant, Zorn, Chardin, and Canadian artist Clarence Gagnon. Whether working in or out of the studio, I love to paint subjects of personal significance. My greatest inspiration continues to be found in religious faith and love of God’s creation.
“Painting still life is an excellent exercise to utilize the powers of observation.”
Exhibitions
Select Exhibitions
2021
Creations Art Gallery, Ancaster
2019
Paint Ontario, Canada
2018
Paint Ontario, Canada
2017
Columbus Centre, Toronto, Canada
2016
Columbus Centre, Toronto, Canada
2015
Columbus Centre, Toronto, Canada
2014
Westmount Gallery, Small Works Show, Canada
Ontario Society of Artists, Members Juried Show, Paper Mill Gallery, Canada
2013
Columbus Centre, Toronto, Italian Heritage, Viva Vitalità
2012
Ontario Society of Artists, Open Juried Show, John B. Aird Gallery, Canada
White Wall North Gallery, 3 Man Show, Streets and Streams
Columbus Centre, Toronto, Italian Heritage, Viva Vitalità
2011
Columbus Centre, Toronto, Five Palettes Group Show
2010
Riverbrink Art Museum, Queenston, Hallmark Collection
2000
Frederick H. Varley Art Gallery, Hallmark Collection, Unionville
2009
ArtExpo – New York, New York
2008
Boston International Fine Art Show – Boston, Massachusetts
ArtExpo – New York, New York
2007
Boston International Fine Art Show – Boston, Massachusetts
ArtExpo – New York, New York
2006
ArtExpo – New York, New York
2005
Boston International Fine Art Show – Boston, Massachusetts
ArtExpo – New York, New York
Solo Show – Niagara Pump House Visual Arts Center. Niagara, Canada.
Group Show – Plein Aire Painters of Canada. Toronto, Canada.
Group Show – Fred Varley Gallery. Unionville, Canada.
2004
ArtExpo – New York, New York
2 Man Show – Mackay Arts Center. Unionville, Canada.
2003
2 Man Show – Mackay Arts Center. Unionville, Canada.
ArtExpo – New York, New York
Art Miami 2003 – Miami Beach, Florida, USA
2002
Kathleen Gormley Mackay Centre, Unionville, 2002
2001
Arts and Letters Club – (Group Show)
Frederick Horsman Varley Gallery, Markham, Group Show
2000
Arts and Letters Club, (Group Show)
Douganne Fine Art, Schomberg
1999
Arts and Letters Club, (Group Show)
1998
Arts and Letters Club, (Group Show)
1996
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa,
1995
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
Canadian Opera Women’s Committee Show, Hummingbird Centre
Consilium Show, Scarborough Arts Council