Hey there, I'm Samm!

 

I’ve been drawing and painting animals since I was old enough to hold a crayon. The only reason I never pursued art school was because they told me there was “too much dog” in my art portfolio for me to be taken seriously as an artist. I took that as a hint and decided to pursue a degree working with animals instead. I graduated from Rutgers University in 2012 with a BS in Animal Science and Ecology & Evolution, and had several jobs working with wildlife related research and public education full time for a few years while dabbling in painting as a side hustle. I’ve worked professionally with a variety of animals including pigs, stingrays, sharks, jumping spiders, piping plovers, moths from all over the world and so many other critters too… but my favorite was doing conservation work with monarch butterflies, which is why they are a constant theme in my art.

 

My world changed at the end of 2018 when the universe threw me a curve-ball of circumstances that inspired me to become a full-time working artist. I currently reside in Gainesville, FL with my husband Josh and our 3 rescued pitbulls where I work from home in my art studio. I’ve never been happier than I am now working for myself, and am so grateful to be able to do what I love every day!

 

As an animal lover and an artist, I combine my two biggest passions to create a vibrant and whimsical style of art. Creating a fun spin-off of the actual likeness of a furry (or scaly, or feathery) friend with a paintbrush, I have developed my own style of painting, and enjoy working with acrylics on a variety of surfaces included canvas, reclaimed wood, and repurposed materials. I care a lot about the planet and try to reuse whatever I can to keep trash out of landfills, so you'll often see old fan blades, found objects and reclaimed wood in my art displays!

 

In addition to creating, I am passionate about fundraising for local animal organizations in our community. A portion of all my art proceeds support the fundraising arm of my business, which are charity paint your pet parties I call "Painting with a Pit". So far these events have raised nearly $20k for animals!  Some causes I am most passionate about include animal rescue, wildlife conservation, veganism, pitbull advocacy and anything that involves helping animals and the environment. You'll find these themes throughout my art too!

 

My work has been displayed in a variety of shops, businesses, restaurants, and galleries. I exhibit and sell my artwork at several art shows, festivals and markets throughout the year, and also have an online shop with lots of great art items and gifts for sale. Other services I offer include murals and illustration. My specialty though, is my unique pet portraits which have been in demand by clients since 2012. I dabble in a little bit of everything making me a well-rounded ARTrenpenuer that is always learning, having fun, and growing my business! If you have a project in mind, please get in touch.

 

You can find my art on Facebook, Instagram, Etsy and YouTube. Subscribe to my emails on the bottom of my home page to stay up to date on current works in progress, upcoming events, specials and giveaways. Remember that shopping small and supporting working artists makes the world of difference to a real human being and their family (and dogs) instead of a big box store/corporation that will never know your name. I appreciate your support ❤️

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The motto I live by is;

“Let the Beauty You Love Be What You Do”

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