Everything is rolling in and going LIVE!
Sculpture trails, pop-up exhibition, special commissions and collaborations
Over the past few months, I’ve kept things fairly steady and calm while moving through treatment — quiet sketching, gentle projects, and small workshops. But I think the moment I rang that bell, the universe got the memo… because suddenly everything’s rolling in and going live!
From TV interviews, sculpture trails and surprise exhibitions to special commissions and collaborations, July feels like a joyful turning point — full of movement, colour, and creative momentum. I’m doing my best to keep up (with snacks and sketchbooks always nearby).
Music for the Senses Guitar Trail – launches 7th July
My guitar design, Nelly, will be on display in Manchester as part of this city-wide celebration of music and creativity. Music for the Senses will take over Manchester’s streets from 7 July to 31 August 2025. I used to squirrel away my pocket money just to make the pilgrimage with my mates to Afflecks Palace—Manchester’s glorious maze of incense, indie fashion, and questionable changing room curtains. It was like Narnia for teenagers with a taste for eyeliner, kickers and patchouli oil. A true totem of weird and wonderful commerce in the Northern Quarter. Maybe one day I’ll return... armed with adult money and slightly better decision-making skills. (Or not.)
Lions at Large Sculpture Trail – launches 11th July
My lion sculpture is nearly ready to take his place on the Lions at large trail across Cheltenham and Gloucester.
On launch day, I’ll be appearing on BBC Points West. The crew did an interview just as I completed my chemo treatment, whilst I was annoyingly sporting a cold sore and a broken tooth. Not quite the TV appearance I’d imagined, but hey-ho!
Each lion will have an information plaque sharing the story behind the design, there’s an app, a map to follow the trail and a pop up shop in Gloucester Quays where you can buy your very own mini lion. Watch out on social media on the day as I’ll share where my lion is once the trail goes live and I’ll be there at 10am. (Don’t tell everyone… but I’ll be in Gloucester…). Arthur Spriggs Haulage team are getting ready to take them all to their very own position on the trail - if you see the truck take a photo and send it to me.
The Cotswold Story Exhibition – End of July
(more info coming soon)
So... a surprise two-week exhibition and pop-up studio opportunity landed in my lap recently, and of course I said YES before my brain caught up. Cue the quiet (but enthusiastic) panic as I figure out what to exhibit, how to hang it, and whether I own enough bulldog clips to pull this off.
The show is called The Cotswold Story — a new collection of narrative-led paintings inspired by the still corners, lopsided rooftops, and quietly magical details of Tewkesbury and the wider Cotswolds. Think hedgerows with secrets, paths less Instagrammed, and stories stitched into the scenery with a mix of stillness and gentle humour.
I’m also ridiculously excited to include a special collaboration with the brilliant Christina Sadler – you can (and should) check out her work here: christinasadler.com We’ve been cooking up something quietly powerful together, responding to the title “The bench we used to sit on.” Christina is painting the first layer, then handing it over to me to finish – like artistic tag-team wrestling, but with more emotion and less Lycra. It’s a visual dialogue between her emotional energy and my narrative detail, and we can’t wait to share it.
I’ll be moving my studio into the exhibition space and working from there for the whole two weeks — turning the show into a living, breathing part of the creative process. When I can share more details, if you get chance pop by, bring biscuits, and watch it all unfold. More soon, I promise!
Online workshops
Guardian of the In-Between – Owl at Night
A gentle, blue-toned painting project exploring mood, texture and storytelling in a near-monochromatic palette. Available now for all “Inside the Studio” members.
Sketch with Sam – Online Sessions
2nd, 16th, and 30th July (7pm zoom)
This month’s theme is Easy Perspective: Learn simple ways to create depth, space, and structure without overwhelm.
In-person workshops
5th – How to Paint Your Dog – Fully booked
20th – Charcoal Deer – Fully booked
26th – How to Paint a Giraffe
27th AM – How to Paint Silly Sheep
27th PM – Charcoal Hare
Behind the scenes
I’m currently designing this year’s Christmas workshops, working on a creative collaboration with Café au Chocolat - Tewkesbury, building my picture book portfolio, and preparing to reveal a very special commission.
Thanks for following along — whether you're sketching from home, visiting the trails, joining a workshop or coming along to The Cotswold Story exhibition.
Big goals, small steps, and room for surprises.
Sam x
So chuffed to see all that you're doing! Happy summer!