Sam Paonessa is professional artist who has enjoyed a creative career spanning over 35 years. He graduated from the Ontario College of Art in Toronto and was awarded the Canadian Studio Scholarship Award. He was then hired by one of Canada’s largest commercial art studios, TDF Artists, where he worked as an illustrator.
He subsequently joined Hallmark Cards Canada in roles of illustrator and later art director. Hallmark provided him with valuable experience and opportunity to create a wide variety of products for retail market. Over 600 paintings were reproduced during his time with Hallmark. |
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Sam Paonessa AOCA OSA |
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He is a member of the Ontario Society of Artists and Ontario Plein Air Society.
He has won several awards for his plein air work in various competitions. Specifically, 'Best Water' and 'Best Nocturne' in the bi-monthly Plein Air Salon Competition. His paintings have been featured in exhibitions at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa, the Riverbrink Museum in Queenston and The Frederick Horsman Varley Museum in Unionville.
His coin design, Canadian Icons, was chosen as a finalist for the Royal Canadian Mint 2017 150th Collection commemorating Canada’s anniversary as a nation.
Paonessa's pursuit of excellence is being rewarded, as he has gained the attention of fine art collectors, both corporate and private across North America and abroad. His paintings are included in permanent collections such as the Canadian Insurance Bureau of Canada, Hallmark Card Fine Art Collection, Husky Canada, The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa, the Museo di Cultura in Pescara, Italy and the collection of Kenneth Thomson.
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White Wall North Fine Art Gallery - October 2011 |
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An exhibition and cocktail reception hosted by
The Joseph D. Carrier Gallery
and the
McMichael Canadian Art Collection |
The Columbus Centre
901 Lawrence Avenue West, Toronto
March 29, 2011 |
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This special exhibition will explore works by the Group of Seven and other contemporary artists who found inspiration in our nation’s rugged landscape including: Tracy Thomson Colero (great grandniece of Tom Thomson), the late Albert Chiarandini (who painted with members of the Group), Salvatore Gallo, Sam Paonessa, Giuseppe Pivetta, Germinio Politi, Tony Bianco and Joseph Catalano. |
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Joseph D. Carrier Gallery Group Show |
Participating Artists: Robert Amirault, Tony Bianco,
Sam Paonessa, Giuseppe Pivetta and Gerry Sevier
December 3rd, 2010
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The Columbus Centre - North York, Ontario |
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2010 Exhibition ~ The Hallmark Fine Art Collection |
For many decades, Hallmark has featured the artwork of Canadian artists on cards produced for the Canadian market. From time to time, the company has acquired some of the artworks utilized in their product. These occasional purchases now form a substantial corporate collection.
This year, Hallmark has generously agreed to loan an exiting selection of their holdings as RiverBrink’s featured exhibit for 2010. Paintings by some of Canada's most renowned twentieth century artists are included in the exhibition. Landscapes by artists Franz Johnston (from the Group of Seven), Franklin Arbuckle, Frank Panabaker and William Winter are included along with pieces by contemporary artists such as Deborah Lougheed Sinclair and Sam Paonessa.
We are particularly pleased to be able to feature this extraordinary exhibition during the year which marks the 100th anniversary since the founding of the Hallmark Company.
For more information visit: www.riverbrink.org |
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