Chantal-Andrée Samson

Home: Cornwall, Ontario
Title: Steady Gaze
Media: Charcoal on paper / fusain sur papier
Dimensions: 69 x 53 cm
Website: www.chantalsamson.com

The process of developing my artistic understanding of the human figure is what I enjoy more than anything else. Each of my drawings explores the complexities of the form, including the common traits shared by everyone, and the unique ways they are embodied by the individual, through both their physique and their way of moving.

I was drawn to my subject, Kevin, for his gaunt look, deep eye sockets and his haunting wide eyed gaze. He seemed a bit uncomfortable during the sitting – shy and awkward – which contributed to the unusual expression that I captured. His long neck, the sideway glance and tilt of his head added an interesting gesture and complimented his facial expression, giving the portrait more depth.

EDUCATION:
2005-2007 Academy of Realist Art, Toronto.
2000-2003 Art Students League of New York, New York.
1991-1995 Baccalauréat en Arts (Bachelor of Arts), Concentration in Visual Arts, University of Ottawa.

GROUP EXHIBITION:
2011 Drawing 2011, John B. Aird Gallery, Toronto, 12th Annual Juried Exhibition
2011 Canadian Landscape Art Show, Ontario Plein Air Society, Toronto.
2006 Annual Juried Art Show, FOCUS Art (Eastern Ontario Visual Arts Association), Cornwall.

AWARDS:
2009 Third Place Award, A Brush with the Highlands Plein Air Festival.
2006 Second Place, Oil Category, Annual Juried Art Show, FOCUS Art.
2001-2003 Blue Dot Awards for Life Painting and Drawing, Art Students League of New York.

EMPLOYMENT:
2007-2011 Life Drawing Professor, Humber College, Toronto.
1998-2000 Visual Arts Teacher, Tagwi Secondary School, Upper Canada District School Board.