About Me
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up”
Pablo Picasso
Samantha Barnes has a deep and enduring love of observational drawing. Her work captures moments where community, connection, and human quirkiness meet: the quiet and the loud, the togetherness and the solitude that we enjoy, other times endure.
Born in Hampshire and educated in Scotland, Sam spent two enriching decades in London, where she opened her own gallery on Clapham Common. Now based in Suffolk, she draws inspiration from wide open landscapes, coastal light, and the joys of seaside life.
Sam’s paintings strive to convey warmth, optimism, and humour — qualities that are important to her when teaching. She shares her passion for drawing through her popular “art lunches” in her garden studio and through collaborations with organisations such as the NHS, supporting wellbeing through creativity.
A firm believer that art is for everyone, Sam writes, “Art is not a gift for the few, but a joy for all.” Through her art and her open sharing of creative knowledge, she invites others to rediscover the simple, human pleasures in making and seeing.
Garden Studio
Five years in the making, my Suffolk garden studio space is every inch an inspiring space.
It is the epitome of artistic shabby chic and intentionally a bit on the wonk. This secret garden holds not one, but two studio spaces in which to make work, as well as two outdoor spaces to sit, take in the sunshine, and commune with fellow workshop friends.
Career Highlights
Gallery Owner
In 2000 I owned a gallery in Clapham Common, London. I adored working with a range of artists and the wonderful memories will never leave me.
30 Years Creating
I registered as a self-employed artist in 1996. Many group exhibitions, solo shows, sales of works in stores such as John Lewis and hundreds of commissions later. I can honestly say that my chosen career in the Arts has been the right one for me.
Social Drawing Pop-ups
I am a social drawing enthusiast and have setup and run many workshops, bringing communities together to create and inspire. This has helped me tremendously with my mental health through the years and has hopefully benefitted others.
SHOP MY ORIGINAL ARTWORK
Take a look at my range of work, which includes drawings and paintings of flowers, plants, animals and interiors.
