Oil Painting

Sam Askin

Sam Askin is a modern impressionist whose unique artworks have to be seen to be believed. From a distance Sam's works are often mistaken as almost photorealistic, enhancing colour and. Yet up close, his works decronstruct themselves into intuitively organised abstract "blobs".

Artist Profile

Sam Askin is a modern impressionist whose unique artworks have to be seen to be believed. From a distance Sam’s works are often mistaken as almost photorealistic, enhancing colour and. Yet up close, his works decronstruct themselves into intuitively organised abstract “blobs”.

Sam was born and raised in Townsville and has been creating art since an early age. By twelve, Sam had developed a love for oil painting, pastels and charcoal, winning his first art prizes at the Townsville Show and and a local art competition by the age of 14. Recently, Sam was a finalist in the Lethbridge Landscape Prize in 2023.

Sam was offered early entry to study art/design at James Cook University but chose an entirely different path and studied biochemistry instead. Sam worked as a research scientist for a number of years and is now a high school science Head of Department. He has recently taken the dive back into creating art on a regular basis with his favourite mediums.

Sam is engrossed in pastels and oils, experimenting with toning the vibrancy of colour. Rather than soft blending often characteristic of these mediums, Sam often prefers to see an image for its basic sum of different colours and then overlay these until he achieves the perfect combination. To Sam, the long drying time of oils, amount of texture that can be applied, and ability to constantly rework these mediums lends itself perfectly to layering and crudely blending colours to express his view of a subject. Sam instinctively and methodically approaches each artwork, “feeling” his way around the canvas until the emotion of the scene is realised.

Sam specialises in creating seascapes, cityscapes and still life/botanical artworks. He takes inspiration from the many local beaches in his area, and the moments of town life in his region. Sam enjoys capturing fleeting points in time that may normally not be considered as significant; the translation to a modern-expressionist artwork conveying his interpretation of the subject. He emphasises the intersection between the natural beauty of nature and the sweeping presence of human impact. Sam’s enjoyment in art comes through the process of creation resulting in the final piece. He likens it to the satisfaction one feels after mowing a large lawn. If viewers of his art can resonate with the emotions he expresses in its creation, Sam feels he has met his creative objectives.

Artist Interview

What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?

I love to work with oils, pastels, and charcoal. The ability to layer, texture and work over these mediums repeatedly suits my loose and instinctive style perfectly.

How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?

I always use a reference photo, or parts of photos to begin. I have so much inspiration around my home and in my travels I could never paint it all. From there, it's all about feeling my way through a work however it just falls out of me. I love to paint in one sitting… leaving a job unfinished just drives me crazy.

Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?

I work in my home on the beach in Townsville. The beach at my backdoor, sound of the breeze and ocean, the bushland right behind my fence, all reflect the same sense of escape I want to share with my collectors. Best yet, I can create while being around my family.