Hello, I'm Sam

I'm a painter in acrylics and mixed media. My desire to paint - as a hobby - was finally fulfilled during 2016. It has been a continuous learning process since, and I have been painting full time following my retirement as an aged care nurse in July 2019 .

My ability to paint takes me beyond the 'now' and brings me true fulfilment. I only hope that my viewers can see beyond the painted surface and share this exciting other world with me.

As a painter I am self taught, but have the advantage of many reference materials to guide me; in particular the Old Masters, from whom I have great joy learning. My favourite painters from the past are Rembrandt and Gauguin. Copying their techniques, using shadow and light, is great fun although often a frustrating challenge.

I work from a small studio on the deck of our house, surrounded by bushland and myriad birds and animal life. I have no set 'style' or niche, just happy to paint whatever takes my fancy. So my paintings are an eclectic collection of birds and trees, and landscapes and seascapes, and people and animals; in other words the world about me.

To date I have been able to 'show' my art on Facebook, local galleries, and at a couple of Art Markets. From the encouragement this has received I have the confidence to aim for wider exposure. I never ever thought anyone would want to buy my pictures. I am surprised and pleased at the interest shown in my paintings from friends and customers alike.

Because of the continuing requests for ways to buy my pictures, my husband (Ron) nd I decided to set up this website to display my art and make it easy for anyone to buy a picture or two. This will be an ongoing process so we ask that you excuse any deficiencies during this learning journey.

P.S. My full name (Brigitte Samantha Simonsen) is a bit of a mouthful and Brigitte is difficult for some people to pronounce, so I've always been known by a short form of my second name - as Sam. And I love painting.....