Sam Paonessa: Professional Artist & Award-Winning Painter
Sam Paonessa (AOCA, OSA) is a distinguished professional artist with a creative career spanning over 40 years. A graduate of the Ontario College of Art in Toronto, Paonessa was awarded the Canadian Studio Scholarship Award, which set the stage for his illustrious journey in the world of art. He began his career at TDF Artists, one of Canada's largest commercial art studios, where he honed his skills as an illustrator. This experience was further enriched during his tenure at Hallmark Cards Canada, where he served as both an illustrator and later as an art director. Over 600 of his paintings and illustrations were reproduced for various retail products, including greeting cards, calendars, and ornaments.
Sam Paonessa; Maple Lake
Paonessa’s dedication to excellence has garnered the attention of fine art collectors across North America and abroad. His work is featured in prestigious permanent collections such as the Canadian Insurance Bureau of Canada, Hallmark Card Fine Art Collection, Husky Canada, The Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa, and the Museo di Cultura in Pescara, Italy. His paintings have also been showcased in exhibitions at esteemed venues including the Frederick Horsman Varley Museum, the Riverbrink Museum, and the Robert McLaughlin Gallery.
As a member of the Ontario Society of Artists and a founding member of Plein Air Canada, Paonessa has earned several accolades, including awards for 'Best Water' and 'Best Nocturne' in the Plein Air Salon Competition. His coin design, "Canadian Icons," was a finalist for the Royal Canadian Mint's 2017 150th Collection, commemorating Canada’s anniversary as a nation.
Paonessa finds inspiration in the ever-changing landscapes of places like Georgian Bay, Killarney, Algonquin Provincial Park, and beyond. He is passionate about sharing his expertise, regularly conducting oil painting workshops and demonstrations across Ontario and internationally, including in Morocco and Italy. As a plein air artist, Paonessa embraces the challenge of capturing the beauty of every season, reflecting his deep admiration for the natural world.
His work continues to inspire and captivate collectors, with his commitment to artistic and personal growth evident in every piece he creates.