Name
Debbie Sampson
Website & Places you can find my work online
Website: www.artsports.com
Facebook: Debbie Sampson
Where I am
Hollywood, Florida
Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
I’m originally from New York, moved down to Florida in 1971. Basically I am self-taught with the exception of private art lessons in oil painting when I was about 10 years old for about a year.
When did you first start drawing & painting?
I have been drawing ever since I can remember.
My first published piece was when I was about 15 in the Quarter Horse Journal. It was a drawing of a quarter horse of course!
You are a sports artist & capture many different types of activities, which subject do you enjoy the most?
The horse of course! And mostly anything with motion.
It’s clear you like to paint where the action is, are you an athlete as well?
Yes I am. I showed horses until about 10 years ago, rode most of my life with hunters/jumpers.
I am also a 3rd degree black belt and had my own Dojo for 14 years. I am also the first woman kick-boxing judge in the country.
I also love to snorkel and dive, deep dives are my favorite, and I get bored on the reef dives!
Who are your main influences?
Definitely Leroy Neiman, Jackson Pollock and Mario Grimaldi. He was my mentor. He was the artist for the original “2001 A Space Odyssey” Movie.
Do you (or did you) have an animal that is the muse behind your work?
All animals are my muse, each one has their own personality and traits that I try to capture in my art.
Do you have any secret rituals you do to help you get in the zone for your art?
Ahh, but if I tell you it won’t be a secret anymore now will it? 🙂 But I can tell you that music is a big influence in my work.
I listen to music 24/7 and paint to certain songs that give me my inspiration for the piece that I am working on at the time. Plus, my boyfriend is in a band so I’m surrounded by music!
Is there a particular place that brings you inspiration?
Yes, my head! There are certain pieces that I want to create that are on my list to do, I never sketch anything out. I keep it in my head, I think about it for awhile and when the time comes for me to do that piece, out it comes on canvas!
What effect do you think the Internet will have on art in general?
HUGE! It opens a lot venues for many types of art out there all over the world. If used correctly it can be a great business and learning tool.
Has it had an effect on yours?
Oh most definitely, I have a website but you can’t just build a site and then wait for people to come across it. You have to know how to make it work for you.
Which one is your personal favorite piece?
The one I am working on now!
Would you ever sell it?
It already is sold.
What else are you passionate about?
Besides music, food, I love to cook, I collect cook-books. I have about 300 in my collection.
And I’m crazy about dogs. I have two, one is a tiny yorkie and the other is a great dane mix. I get funny looks when I walk them.
Working on anything new?
Always keeping it fresh!
More to Come
Thanks to Debbie for answering the interview and sharing her work. Be sure to check out her art website periodically for updates about her latest works.
Also stay tuned for more interviews with horse artists and photographers.
Are you a horse artist or do you know an equine artist you’d like to see featured? Add your name and website in the comments below or drop us a note to get involved.
I am intrested in you doing a painting of my dog. Can you give me information and prices?