Sam Dolman

"Mosi" 24" x 36" Oil on Linen

2013-04-26T09:37:00.004+01:00

"Mosi" has been short-listed for this years David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year! The exhibition will take place at the Mall Galleries, London 3rd - 8th June 2013. The full selection of work is available here

"Truffles" 20" x 24" Oil on Linen (SOLD)

2012-04-24T14:07:00.000+01:00

I am really happy to tell you that my painting of a wild boar has been short-listed for this years BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year. I went to see the boars earlier this year, a first for me. It was great to see them foraging around in the woods. Here are my favourites, the three amigos:

"Boris" 20" x 30" Oil on canvas (SOLD)

2012-02-02T18:58:00.001Z

Well its been a long time since I updated this blog, here is Boris from Chester Zoo, a very wise character I think.

"Bashful" 20" x 24" Oil on linen

2011-09-05T17:10:00.000+01:00

How now brown cow. Another for the Eye on Art gallery, Indiana.

Art in the Gardens

2011-06-13T08:59:00.000+01:00

These two painting have been selected for inclusion in this years annual Art in the Gardens at Sheffield. Its the biggest of its kind in the North and will have thousands of artworks on display over the weekend starting September 3rd, well worth a visit;o)

"Betty" 20" x 24" oil on canvas

"Piggy in the Middle" 20" x 30" Oil on canvas

I think the biggest thing for me as an artist is capturing the personalities of the animals and making it fun. My experiments at the moment involve simplifying the drawings and adding more colour as I think this is the natural way for me to achieve what I want. Im quite happy with these two paintings, but I seem to contradict myself regularly so things may change in the next few months!

Wildlife Artist of the Year 2011 awards

2011-06-07T11:42:00.001+01:00

Last night was the preview evening and award ceremony for the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year 2011. It was a real honour to be part of this exhibition and meet such talented artists. There were fun pieces, abstract pieces and some incredibly realistic drawings and paintings. The winner David Filer came all the way from Zimbabwe with his very powerful drawing of an elephant and her calf. You can view the full exhibition on line here. One of my favourites was a drawing entitled 'Mummy's Boy' by Susan Andrews, mainly because it really made me smile. So go have a look;o)

The exhibition also included work by David Shepherd, Mandy Shepherd and Emily lamb. It was great to see these originals in person. I was also thrilled to meet David, who's work I have admired for so many years, and he was nice enough to have his picture taken. My painting of 'Kitani' sold immediately which I am delighted with, and I got to meet the lovely couple who got it too! 50% of the proceeds go to support wildlife projects worldwide, for more information please visit www.davidshepherd.org

"Eddie" 16" x 16" Oil on canvas (SOLD)

2011-06-07T11:13:00.003+01:00

"Tizzy" 16" x 16" oil on canvas (SOLD)

2011-06-07T11:12:00.000+01:00

This is a recent commission I did, please click here for more information on commissions

The Acorn Gallery

2011-05-05T17:36:00.001+01:00

"Cheeky" 24" x 24" Oil on canvas

"Tim" 30" x 36" Oil on canvas

We decided to spend last weekend in York and I dropped these two pieces off at The Acorn Gallery. I'd completely forgotten about the Royal wedding when I booked our room, and didn't realise we were above a pub! Ah well good time had by all I think:o)

York is an amazing place to visit. I guess most popular for people are the castle, Viking city and York Minster. I really loved walking down the cobbled streets and the buildings. Such amazing architecture. Some buildings were built in 1300s, I'm sure others were sooner. You can just about make out the 'lean' in this one above.

Well so much for my diet.

It was going to be a 'well behaved' weekend as I was taking part in an endurance race on Sunday, but we couldn't resist some chocolate and a trip to Bettys team rooms!

I met a few friends on Sunday at the Wiggle Enduro 6 where we had to bike as many 6 mile cross country laps as we could in 6 hours. My legs were like jelly, respect to the cyclists as one of the guys next to our camp boasted how he was doing a 12 hour challenge the next month! This is us after the race with a well deserved beverage;o)

"Zoe" 16" x 16" Oil on canvas(SOLD)

2011-04-17T21:18:00.000+01:00

This piece has been accepted into the Great Sheffield Art Show, the largest in the North of England. It will be exhibited between 8th and 10th July. There are hundreds of works on display over the few days, well worth the visit if you can get there. See details here.
Many thanks to Sunny for providing me with the reference photo!

"Lily" 20" x 24" Oil on linen(SOLD)

2011-04-02T09:49:00.000+01:00

Another for the Eye on Art gallery, Indiana. These two paintings will hopefully be available towards the end of April/early May. Its the first time I have painted on Linen. Its one of those things that I have avoided as it can be very expensive, so I was sort of hoping I would find a problem using it! Well I didnt. I thought it was fantastic to work on, finer than the canvas I use but not as smooth as a sanded gessoed surface. Perfect for the way I like to paint. Using linen seems to attract mixed opinion from what I have read, I wondered if you other artists had used it and what your thoughts were, and any type you would recommend?

"Tulip" 20" x 24" Oil on linen

2011-04-02T09:36:00.001+01:00

Very happy to have some more paintings going across the pond to the Eye on Art gallery, Indiana.

"Kitani" Wildlife Artist of the Year finalist!

2011-03-23T21:20:00.001Z

My painting of ‘Kitani’ has been short-listed for the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year 2011! I am so happy, it’s the best thing to happen to my work so far, it really is a dream come true for me. I have looked at this competition for a few years; it attracts such talented wildlife artists worldwide. I know I'm very fortunate to have my work shown with such established artists and I get the chance to exhibit at the prestigious Mall galleries in London! :o) I would like to thank everyone for their continued support here on the blog and more recently on facebook from artists and people who take an interest. It really is great to be part of such a fantastic community that inspires and motivates, without which I might not have even entered the competition.

I made a lot of visits to Chester zoo last year which was educational where I learnt that Black Rhinos are critically endangered. It’s a disturbing thought to wonder if future generations will be able to share the same experiences as us. I wanted to get to know these animals a little better. Kitani stood out for me, an animal with such powerful presence seemed to have a certain gentle quality about her that I really liked. Its also been a great experience for me to try something different, maybe a little out of my comfort zone! Right well Im going to enjoy a glass of wine and I raise my glass to you all-cheers!

"Abbey" 24" x 24" Oil on canvas(SOLD)

2011-03-04T15:32:00.001Z

This is the last one for the exhibition next week, any luck they will be dry!

"I'm Listening" 24" x 24" Oil on canvas

2011-03-04T15:31:00.000Z

Have you ever tried immitating your dog or cat? I dont mean urinating against a streetlamp but more in terms of trying to communicate with them. Well I often make sounds to animals for some unknown reason. Infact my dad whistles to the birds convinced hes having a conversation with them... So yes I do 'moo' to the cows I see to grab their attention. Well Im a big fan of Dr Dolittle, its a wonderful thought but could we really grasp animal communication? Perhaps cows just have a few different sounds, happy, sad, danger etc. Im sure if you dont get your 'mooing' right you could be giving off mixed signals which is probably why this cow is looking quite confused;o)

"Buttercup" 20" x 24" Oil on canvas(SOLD)

2011-02-28T12:58:00.000Z

Another piece for the Calder Gallery, UK. The exhibition preview is on 9th March and I still have pieces not finished, so Im working all hours at the minute! If you would like an invitation to the preview evening please email me.

"Friends" 12" x 24" Oil on canvas

2011-02-15T11:50:00.000Z

I think cows are intelligent creatures and they form relationships with each other like we do. While one cow might not be accepted by the rest another might be designated a leader and these leaders are usually the most popular cows. I wanted to catch these two friends who obviously have a close bond, as this close contact and social interaction is important for them. Even if it does look like they are just having a scratch;o)

Project Pig race

2011-02-13T22:42:00.000Z

This is my little video of ‘Hellrunner’ the sponsored run I took part in yesterday for ‘Project Pig’. The footage is basically from the start and finish of the race, as it wasn’t easy for spectators to get to most of the route. It has to be said after the first few miles of punishing relentless hills I did ask myself what part of the word Hellrunner I failed to understand! The course basically consisted of 11 miles of running through mud, up and down hills, through forests, rivers and sand. There were a few water features that were quite honestly refreshing after wading through the mud. I nearly lost one of my trainers in the infamous ‘Bog of Doom’, the smell of which made me question if the local animals had used it as a toilet;o) But it was a really rewarding and fun experience in many ways, and I was so happy when I crossed the finish line. I think for next time Il have a few less beers in my diet, a few less pounds to carry and a lot more training;oD

Survey Results!

2011-02-07T18:36:00.000Z

Thanks to everyone who took part in my little survey, I had a great response from the blog and facebook. I did it really to satisfy my curiosity and to see what suggestions you guys would make so if you are interested in the results please read on.
There were three animals much more popular than the rest. The most popular was of course mans (and womans?) best friend, that loyal canine companion the dog with 36.5%! Cows and sheep are equal second place with 30.8%. I was delighted with the cow result and quite honestly surprised at the amount of people who chose sheep. I had no idea, but it was a nice surprise, that was what this survey was for. Pigs and cats were battling it out for third; I expected cats to be in the running for the most popular alongside dogs. Likewise I expected horses to be well in front but they only had 9.6% of the votes.
Then came the suggestions from you, which were mainly different types of wild animals. Birds being the most popular closely followed by tigers. Im sure I will be influenced by some of your suggestions in the future, thanks again for taking part!

"Curly" 16" x 16" Oil on canvas(SOLD)

2011-01-31T15:37:00.000Z

Each January I will look back at my work for the previous year. Its a way for me to learn about my experiences, by seeing what I think worked and what I think didn't. I like to see what peoples comments are and perhaps read inbetween the lines. Of course I can see which ones were more popular with my customers too. Well it seems to be a trend that I get so obsessed with painting cows each year that I neglect the other animals out there. I have tried to vary my subjects a little recently, as naturally not everyone prefers cows;o)

I would like your help in answering just one question on a little survey here. It asks what your favourite animal is. This could be your favourite type of animal to be painted or your favourite animal in general. Thanks for your help!

New blog for the animals

2011-01-24T11:12:00.001Z

Please have a look at my new blog :
http://for-the-animals.blogspot.com

My main aim is to have a place where we can share a common interest, post interesting news, pictures videos and raise awareness for the animals. I need team members please if you are interested let me know!

Initially in the next few weeks I am hoping to raise money for 'Saving Rare Breeds' a charity set up to help preserve endangered livestock.'Project Pig' has been set up to raise money for the British Lop. It is the rarest of the UK pigs and is recognised as being endangered.
On February 12th I am taking part in 'Hellrunner' a 12 mile off-road run to raise money and awareness for the Lop.

Please sponsor me here and you can see me endure my few hours of pain in a few weeks time!

"Jazmine" 12" x 16" Oil on canvas (SOLD)

2011-01-23T16:31:00.001Z

These gypsy horses are in a field I often run through, and I always find it difficult not to stop and make friends with them. They are so used to human contact that its always easy as they are very friendly.

"Mush" 16" x 16" Oil on canvas (SOLD)

2011-01-06T15:58:00.001Z

I hope you are all well and settling back into work. All these celebrations can take a toll on health and Ive done the usual thing of promising to abstain from alcoholic beverages for a while! Now back into running and eating healthy (healthier). Apparently this time of year is the most popular for gym memberships with people making New Years resolutions. Did you make a New Years resolution? Well mine is to spend more time outside and less time in the studio, but Im addicted to painting so we will see how that one goes;o)
This cat painting was done for a Christmas present so I can show you now, 'Mush' was 'king cat' known to even have a swipe at dogs that ventured too close to the house. Sadly he passed away last year but I was given an excellent photo to work from that I think brings out his personality. Loyal, wise and tough RIP Mush.

"Prancer" 16" x 16" Oil on canvas (SOLD)

2010-12-21T11:46:00.001Z

This is the last of my Christmas themed paintings. I would like to thank you all sincerely for your visits and comments. Im having a few days off now and hope you all get chance to relax at this special time of year. I have just finished a new website please have a look www.samdolman.com someone has a message for you;o)

"Rudolph" 8" x 8" Oil on hardboard (SOLD)

2010-12-19T17:38:00.001Z

I know its not quite the red nosed reindeer, but its the closest I could get;o) This is part of Gary Keimigs' Wilderness Art Challenge. Thanks for the reference Gary!