Sam's style is "painterly", meaning he values the substance and effects of paint, brushwork in particular, as highly as the illusion of space and light. When the material and the illusion work together perfectly, it creates a kind of poetry. How they work together to give us the impression of another human being expressing a particular state of mind is a mystery he never tires of exploring.

Sam is an avid plein air painter, finding constant inspiration in the beautiful landscape of Maryland and on his travels. He also finds interiors an engaging subject with a particular interest in the effects of lamplight.

Sam lived in South Korea for most of his childhood where his parents served as missionaries. His earliest art training was in Asian brush painting. On his return to the United States he studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art, graduating magna cum laude with a BFA in painting in 1978. He lives in Maryland with his wife and two children.

Sam is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association and participates in their paint-outs and shows. He is also a member of the Portrait Society of America and has received the "Best Portfolio" award twice, a Certificate of Merit in the International Portrait Competition, and an Honorable Mention in the members only Self-Portrait Competition. He shows regularly regionally and is represented by Main Street Gallery in Annapolis, Maryland.