Sam Grainger is a Colorado-based painter who creates surreal landscapes and abstract color field works.

His work has been exhibited in Denver, Colorado, Charleston and South Carolina. More than 15 of his original works are held in private collections.

Artist Statement

Over the years I've studied the surrealists, old masters, and contemporary painters, working to understand how color and light move together.

I've been creating original work for over a decade. My surreal pieces usually begin as an idea that shows up at a random moment. Sometimes another piece of artwork inspires it. Sometimes it's nature. Other times it's nothing specific, just a thought. I bring it to canvas and build what I saw in my head. Creating these paintings feels like watching a new reality come to life, and I love the chance to disappear into it while I work.

The abstract color field pieces come from somewhere different: not an idea, but a feeling. I started with pour painting, letting colors move with no real control over the outcome. Over time I was pulled toward gradient work, which is more intentional. As I design, I layer color and pattern until something feels right. I can't fully explain why, but when that moment comes, I feel a certain energy from the piece and I know it's ready for canvas. The resin finish gives each one a depth that shifts with the light.