Samantha Austin-Cooper

I have been a specialist painter for over 30 years, working in London at my studio in Shoreditch and later back home in the county of Essex.
I worked primarily as an Antiques painted furniture restorer, for some of the top London Antiques dealers, matching 200 year old original paint to a restored leg on a chest of drawers for example. Also painting effects in some of the most prestigious homes in London & the home counties. I've travelled all over Europe to flea markets, observing & learning along the way.
I'm happy to say, that I had a job that I loved!!!
My Art now, is somewhat more colourful! Most of the furniture that I restored, tended to be French Grey, so now I am free to use as much colour as I wish, and I certainly take that to the extreme! Now in part living in Andalucía in southern Spain, I am surrounded by amazing light & colour.
I love to concentrate on the eyes, they express the soul of each person, the true emotion, unlike a smile, which can hide or mask the story.
I hope you find something that you connect with in each painting, as I do....

Loughton Art College 1984 -1986
Then in 1990 I started my own successful business, restoring Antique painted furniture....self taught throughout, all part of the beauty of the business!
1992-1993 Gilding
Working Man's College Camden Town, London.
1993-1994 Marbling & Woodgraining