Maple Lake by Sam Paonessa is an 8 x 16 inch oil on wood panel piece produced in 2018 and signed in the bottom left corner. The painting depicts a flowing river nestled in a forest landscape. Paonessa uses a palette of rich earth tones to elicit a tranquil feeling but quick brushstrokes that dash through the piece add movement to the horizontal composition. Paonessa showcases his talent for capturing the essence of nature.

Paonessa is a Niagara local and spent a lot of his career working for Hallmark Canada. His paintings are featured on everything from cards and calendars to ornaments and other retail accessories.