Sam Paonessa OSA
Sam Paonessa was born in Niagara Falls, Canada and graduated from the Ontario College of Art in Toronto. Showing early promise, Sam was awarded a studio scholarship upon graduation, enabling him to further develop his talents in commercial art beginning his
career at TDF Commercial Art Studios. Sam was hired at Hallmark Canada and has been creating paintings and artwork for Hallmark Canada for the past 28 years.
Sam has travelled and painted plein air landscapes in North America and Italy. Over the
past years he has been sharing his talent by conducting demonstrations and teaching oil painting workshops in the GTA. His pursuit of excellence is being rewarded, as he has gained the attention of fine art collectors across North America and abroad. Other recognition includes second prize in a quick draw event in 2006 International Plein Air Painters Annual Paint Out and first prize in 2007. In 2009, Sam became a member of the Ontario Society of Artists.