UPDATES
MacDowell Medal awarded to Carl Samson for Distinguished Contribution in the Arts
On June 6th, 2022, Carl was awarded the prestigious MacDowell Society Medal for Distinguished Contribution in the Arts. The announcement was made at the annual meeting of the Cincinnati MacDowell chapter. Upon receipt of the award, Carl thanked the Society for their recognition of his work and achievements. He also stated how meaningful the medal was. In 1967, it was awarded to artist Herman H. Wessel, whose work Carl admires and in whose former studio Carl now paints.
Born in Sandusky, Ohio, to French-Canadian immigrants, Carl has lived and worked in Cincinnati for over 36 years. His in-depth study of Cincinnati’s Golden Age artists, combined with his early training in the Boston School of painters and other influences, serves him well and has led to numerous awards and accolades. Carl is a repeat winner at the National Portrait Competition, has served as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the former American Society of Portrait Artists, and was an ASOPA Distinguished Guest of Honor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Carl continues to welcome both public and private commissions.
Samson paints posthumous portrait of Maestro Michael Gielen
Maestro Michael Gielen, 40” x 30”, oil on linen canvas, Music Hall Collection
Carl’s portrait of the late conductor Michael Gielen was unveiled at Cincinnati Music Hall before guests, CSO musicians, staff, and board members in October of 2022. Commissioned to commemorate the maestro and to honor his place in the Queen City’s orchestral scene, the portrait received universal praise. Of particular note were remarks by several musicians who performed under Gielen’s baton and commented on how truthful the characterization was to the man. They particularly liked the portrayal of the maestro’s hands, so clearly recalling their structure and gesture as Gielen conducted.
Maestro Micheal Gielen was a challenging and inspiring figure in Cincinnati’s musical history. As principal conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra from 1980 - 1986, he wove contemporary works into his programs as a contrast and counterpoint to the more conservative fare. His insistence on precision and discipline among his musicians was also said to have refocused and refined the orchestra and helped reposition it toward national prominence.
Carl based his portrait on a photo of Gielen by Patrik Müller. He added the maestro’s lower body, the hall’s balcony, a cellist off to one side, and the husband and wife patrons who funded the portrait in the audience. The painting hangs in the south wing of Cincinnati Music Hall.
Double portrait by Carl Samson unveiled at the Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance
Margaret & Michael Valentine, 55” x 36”, oil on linen canvas, collection of Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance
Carl Samson’s double oil portrait of Margaret and Michael Valentine was unveiled at the Cincinnati Ballet’s new Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance in September of 2021. Commissioned by the Cincinnati Ballet to honor the Valentines for their lead donation, Samson’s painting was praised as an "uncanny likeness" by family members and friends. Margaret Valentine lauded the artist in her public remarks, describing him as “amazingly talented.” She also stated what a pleasure it was to see him at work in the studio while she was posing. Carl collaborated closely with the Valentines and Ballet administration to conceive and paint an image simple in design and composition that both captured the Valentines’ likenesses and complemented the contemporary Ballet building. Cincinnati Ballet CEO Scott Altman and Artistic Director Victoria Morgan gave congratulatory words beforehand after which Margaret and Michael helped unveil the portrait to considerable applause. The 55” x 36” framed painting now hangs in the Center’s main entrance near the grand staircase.
Samson’s paintings at Ohio Governor’s Mansion
The Future and the Past Take Time Out for a Walk, 39” x 47”, oil on linen canvas. On loan to the Ohio Governor’s Residence.
Ohio Governor Mike and First Lady Fran DeWine chose two of Carl’s paintings on rotation for display above their main fireplace at the Ohio Governor's Residence and Heritage Garden. The Future and the Past Take Time Out for a Walk features a colorful and light-filled portrayal of two young girls walking their dog in front of a Sears Kit House in Milford, OH. Samson’s painting also contains a multi-layered allegory - the desire to boldly move toward embracing the future, and the contrary impulse to slow down and not let go of all that is right and just about the past. Governor and Mrs. DeWine and house staff loved the painting and especially appreciated the story-telling narrative in the scene, which wonderfully complements the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library and their partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
The Krohn in Winter, 32” x 38”, oil on canvas. Collection of Santen & Hughes on loan to the Ohio Governor’s Residence.
Samson’s second painting, Winter at the Krohn, was borrowed back from law firm Santen & Hughes’ collection for display above the mansion’s mantel during the fall and winter months. It was painted on-site in Cincinnati’s Eden Park and depicts the Krohn Conservatory as seen through a mix of wintry snow and pine trees. As a well-rounded painter, Samson continues to enjoy exploring diverse facets of the art of painting, nimbly moving between his well-known portrait commissions, landscapes, and imaginative figurative works.
Star Wars portrait finds home at George Lucas’s Skywalker Ranch
Portrait of Natalie Portman as Padme Resplendent With Naboo Mandala, oil and gold leaf on chestnut wood panel, 24" x 20", collection of George Lucas, LucasFilm Ltd.
After touring Japan for the last several years, Carl Samson’s portrait “Padmé Resplendent with Naboo Mandala,” now hangs at George Lucas’s Skywalker Ranch. https://www.wcpo.com/entertainment/local-a-e/cincinnati-artists-star-wars-portrait-finds-home-at-skywalker-ranch
Created for the book Star Wars Art: Visions by George Lucas (foreword) and J. W. Rinzler (introduction), the painting toured Asia in an exhibition of the same name. Presently, Samson’s masterpiece is raising eyebrows in the personal collection of George Lucas at Skywalker Ranch in California. The 24” x 20” portrait is unusual in both technique and material, having been painted in oil with three types of gold leaf as background on a c.1935 American Chestnut wood panel. With reference to Byzantine icons, actress Natalie Portman is shown as her Star Wars character Padmé (Queen Amidala) in profile against a golden mandala of the orbital path of her planet Naboo.
In February of 2020, Samson was contacted by Skywalker Ranch for more information as to how the painting was made. After supplying the particulars, the Skywalker Ranch staffer praised the piece in both conception and design commenting “whenever I pass through the gallery, I can’t NOT look at the painting.” For now, Samson’s painting is currently limited to viewing by those who visit or work at Skywalker Ranch. The future, however, looks promising for a higher profile display. George Lucas is presently building a Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, at which some of his extensive collection of figurative art will be exhibited.
Samson completes father-son portrait to honor law firm founder and son
William Keating Sr. & William Keating Jr., 72” x 45”, oil on linen canvas, KMK Law collection
Now installed in the firm’s lobby, the double portrait of William Keating Sr. and William Keating Jr. was commissioned by KMK Law to celebrate the measure of the men for colleagues, clients, family, and friends. It also poignantly conveys the relationship between father and son.
Samson combed through numerous photographs, talked with family members and friends, and spent time in the KMK offices to compose and paint the composition. The finished 72” x 45” canvas depicts the senior Keating seated in a light-filled conference room of the law firm, with son Bill Jr. standing behind. A view of the Ohio River and the Roebling Suspension Bridge is depicted in the background. The bridge’s two main support towers echo the bond between father and son, while the bridge suggests the firm’s strong client relationships, international connections and future-forward thinking. References to St. Xavier, UC and the Cincinnati Enquirer also appear in the piece, symbolizing the family’s and firm’s lasting ties to the Queen City.
The painting was unveiled in an informal reception at KMK Law, attended by family and colleagues who worked closely with the Keatings over the years. The family and firm were delighted with the results. “I still can’t get over how incredible the portrait looks. … I honestly can’t think of another way to describe it beyond perfect.”
William Keating Sr. was a founding member of Keating, Muething & Klekamp PLL. He later had a long career in public service as a municipal and county judge, congressman and publisher of the Cincinnati Enquirer. His son, William Keating Jr., worked at KMK for almost 40 years and was a senior partner in the law firm. He died in March 2017.
Carl Samson’s stunning portrait of Maestro Carmon DeLeone unveiled at Cincinnati Music Hall
Maestro Carmon DeLeone with Portrait of Carmon DeLeone, 40” x 30”, oil on linen canvas, Music Hall collection. Photo by Steven Thomas.
Carl J. Samson’s stunning oil portrait of Maestro Carmon DeLeone was unveiled at Cincinnati Music Hall October 26, 2018. Commissioned by the Cincinnati Ballet to commemorate the maestro’s 50th season as Music Director, the painting was universally praised as a “masterpiece” and “a stunning portrayal of Carmon’s spirit.” Carl worked closely with DeLeone and ballet administration to conceive and paint an image that captured the exuberance and joy of Carmon conducting. The 40” x 30” framed painting now hangs in Music Hall’s north hallway alongside those of other notable Cincinnati conductors.
This portrait of Maestro DeLeone is the fourth painting by Carl to hang at the historic Music Hall performance venue. His other three Music Hall portraits are of the late arts patrons Patricia Corbett and J. Ralph Corbett, which hang outside the Corbett Tower, and former Cincinnati Opera Artistic Director Jim DeBlasis, which hangs across from that of Maestro DeLeone.
Samson Judges Indiana Plein Air Painters (IPAPA) 2018 Member Show
On November 3, Carl traveled to Carmel, Indiana to judge the IPAPA (Indiana Plein Air Painters of America) annual exhibition at the Hoosier Salon Gallery. Works by artists from all over Indiana were gathered together for judging, and $5000 in prizes and recognition at various levels was awarded.
Carl Samson directs Artist Fall Retreat at T.C. Steele Boyhood Home
From September 25-29, 2018, Carl led a mentoring weekend of a select group of artists at the T.C. Steele Boyhood Home in Waveland, Indiana. The house is where famed painter Steele spent his early life, and the fields, woods and streams of his youth remain essentially unchanged. Other artists joined Carl as they painted in Shades and Turkey Run State Parks, and in the areas surrounding Waveland. The annual experience was made possible by Tim and Meg Shelly, who purchased and carefully restored the home to a functioning center for artistic endeavors.
Oil Portrait Unveiled of Procter & Gamble CEO, President and Chairman of the Board David S. Taylor
Oil Portrait of David S. Taylor, CEO, 46” x 34”, oil on linen canvas, Procter & Gamble collection
Carl Samson’s oil portrait of Procter & Gamble CEO, President and Chairman of the Board David S. Taylor was unveiled on December 8, 2017 at an informal reception at P&G headquarters in Cincinnati, OH. The event was held in the historic paneled boardroom, where other portraits of past CEOs including Mr. Procter and Mr. Gamble gaze down upon their successors. Phil Duncan, Head of Global Design, spoke of the continuum of dedication to excellence as represented by past leaders, and its contemporary commitment to going forward in the same bold and innovative way in a changing world. He mentioned Carl as having been especially satisfying to work with, and how delighted they were with the results of Mr. Taylor’s portrait. Other executives in attendance included Mr. Taylor and his wife, Marsha, CFO Jon Moeller, Head of Global Design Phil Duncan, and Head Archivist Gregory McCoy as well as various other colleagues, friends and staff. The portrait was warmly received by Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, who commented enthusiastically on the extraordinary likeness and the amazing depth achieved by the artist in his depiction of the CEO. In the weeks following the unveiling, word came that many visitors to P&G’s boardroom declared it the “best portrait they’d ever seen.” The oil painting hangs in a commanding location in the Procter & Gamble Boardroom.
Monumental painting, Arrival, completed and shipped to Texas
Arrival, 81” x 52”, oil on linen canvas, private collection
Carl’s commissioned monumental painting entitled Arrival was completed and shipped to Texas. The 81” x 52” oil on linen canvas painting depicts a group of immigrants gathered together on the wharf at Ellis Island c. 1920. They have just cleared customs, and await the ferry from Manhattan that will take them to their lives in the new world. Samson thoroughly enjoyed undertaking this ambitious, large-scale commission. He especially savored the opportunity to focus on gesture and emotion on the various character’s faces as they consider where they came from, what they’d been through to get there, and what might await them in the future. Arrival now hangs in Century Hall at the Old Parkland complex in Dallas.