Sam turned in numerous drawings everyday and his teacher said, "What do you do? Put a pencil in both his hands and both feet". He put Sam to work on one project in the back room during the duration of the art class, and gave Sam a photo of Michelangelo's Statue of David. It was at this time that Sam was introduced to pen and ink, (where you actually dip a special point pen in ink and scratch draw on a board) was told to give his capture of the statue and to take his time. When it was completed it was entered in an art show at City Hall and was a show favorite. Sam won the high school award for best artist and received numerous offers to sell his work.

    Sam went on to take animation in the future and after working in the industry for a period of time started easel painting. This was where he discovered his true passion and when he later discovered the works of Robert Bateman he immediately realized what his direction in the art world should be.

    Sam and Robert Bateman in Wyoming

   Sam would later meet the artist at his book signing, and at that time was informed about one of Mr. Bateman's workshops that was being held in Wyoming. This happened to be a special workshop as Mr. Bateman was being honored at the Museum of Wildlife Art for donating his painting " Chief". For the occasion Mr. Bateman had numerous original paintings on display in the museum and was nice enough to take all attending workshop artists on a tour through his works. He made a special point of talking about what inspired him to create each painting which made an unforgettable impression on Sam.

    Sam enjoyed this experience so much that and went on to take another Robert Bateman workshop in Montana. He and a photographer friend also made a point to tour Yellowstone National Park where they experienced wildlife and nature in a fantastic setting.

    Sam continues on doing what he loves best, putting his special touch to his visions on the natural world and it all it has to offer onto canvas for all of us to enjoy.