Sam Dixon

Art Business News, August, 2005

For Sam Dixon, three letters--org vs. com--can make a world of difference. "l'm samdixon.org," says the self-proclaimed American Impressionist from Wichita Falls, TX. "He's samdixon.com" referring to the adult film star with whom he is sometimes confused.

This Sam Dixon is happiest with a good glass of wine and a clean canvas. Winner of countless awards--the most well-known is the 2004 Gold Ink Award in Poster Design from the Publishing and Production Executive magazine--Dixon says he has always been "destined to be an artist."

Dixon grew up in an Air Force family, moving to two bases before he turned six. Being an Air Force brat has served him well throughout his life, he believes.

"It's easy for me to make friends and fit in," he says.

Dixon never made a conscious decision to be an artist; art seemed to come to him. Drawing at three years old? That was Dixon. Painting on the walls during kindergarten? He did that as well.

"I was one of those child prodigies" says Dixon. "I had a knack for a sense of color and line. It was instilled in me."

He continues, "My biggest problem coming up through school was figuring out how to market my art," Dixon says. "Then I stumbled into graphic design. It's is the bread and butter of what I do. It allows me to drink a glass of wine with dinner and dress in nice clothes"

Dixon works an office job as a graphic designer for the division of community-based planning for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in Silver Spring, MD. His job has given him insight into the mind of the consumer.

"I'm successful because I can apply my skills as a marketer to my painting," he says.

"Over the years, I've developed a healthy competitive drive. When it comes to galleries, if it doesn't sell, they don't take you on."

Dixon is captivated by French Impressionism, and looks to the European masters, such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Cezanne, for inspiration.

"The French approach to painting is very passionate" Dixon says.

Though he's a self-proclaimed Impressionist, lately he's stepped outside the box for several projects. "Art Uncorked" Wolf Trap's second annual art auction and wine celebration, will feature seven of Dixon's 25-piece contemporary watercolor series of wine bottles. The series is Dixon's attempt to document the moment.

For more information, call 202-545-1555; e-mail sam.dixon@mncppc-mc.org; visit www.samdixon.org.