Samantha Cortese didn’t always know she was an artist. In fact, her career initially veered in a very different direction. Graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 2007 with a communications degree, Samantha’s creative potential remained hidden as she explored different career paths. Yet, as with many journeys of self-discovery, hers began as a simple hobby—a pastime that would spark something much bigger.
An Artistic Awakening
In 2009, Samantha stumbled upon a creative outlet that changed everything: painting wine glasses. What started as a personal project quickly turned into something more.
“I was just looking for a fun way to unwind,” she recalls. “But soon, people started to notice.”
Friends would ask me to make custom wine glasses for parties, and before I knew it, I was selling them for special events like bachelorette parties.” Despite her burgeoning success as a wine-glass artist, Samantha still saw art as a hobby. However, these early experiments with paint and glass would later prove to be the spark that ignited her artistic journey.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point for many, and for Cortese, it became the moment when her art truly came to life. In early 2020, as the world was gripped by uncertainty and lockdowns, Cortese’s husband, Dan, took on a DIY bathroom renovation at home. Inspired by the process, Samantha decided to add her own touch, painting the walls with intricate designs that reflected her evolving style.
“I just knew I wanted to create something beautiful in our home. Once I started painting, I couldn’t stop. It was like I found a whole new part of myself,” Cortese explains. This experience marked the beginning of her deeper exploration of art.
During the long nights of 2020, while her children slept, Cortese found solace in painting. She set up an Instagram account, @trialbypaint, to share her work, and to her surprise, her bold, abstract pieces quickly gained attention. What was once a personal creative outlet became a public showcase of her talent, drawing in followers who were captivated by her unique use of color and form.
Vibrant Life, Vibrant Art
As a mother of two, Cortese’s artistic journey has been intricately tied to her family life. Unlike many careers that demand strict hours and physical presence, art has allowed her the flexibility to work from home and stay engaged with her children’s lives. “Being an artist has given me the best of both worlds,” Samantha says. “I get to be there for my kids and still pursue something I’m deeply passionate about.”
This balance is evident in her work, which often mirrors the spontaneity of her daily life. Samantha’s paintings are vibrant and energetic, infused with joy and unpredictability. “I’ve never been one to plan my paintings too much,” she notes. “I like to just go with my gut and see where the process takes me.”
Cortese’s artistic style is defined by her willingness to experiment. Her work often features bold, sweeping lines and unexpected bursts of color, elements that reflect her intuitive approach to art. “I’m not afraid to try new things or make mistakes,” Cortese muses.
Connecting with the Community Through Her Work
This fearless creativity has opened doors for Cortese, leading to opportunities she never dreamed possible. In 2023, she was commissioned to create a mural for Arc Human Services, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities. The mural, titled Connecting Through Inspiration, became one of her most significant projects, both in scale and personal impact.
While Cortese’s work on the Arc Human Services mural was a deeply rewarding experience, it also came with challenges. Used to painting on small canvases, she had to adapt her technique to a much larger scale. “It was intimidating at first,” she says. “You can’t just turn a wall around if you make a mistake, so everything has to be more deliberate.”
Though the mural was a major milestone, it was Cortese’s journey leading up to that moment that truly defined her as an artist. Her story is about the courage to embrace a passion that wasn’t always apparent. “I think my art is really about discovery,” she reflects. “It’s about finding something within yourself that you didn’t know was there.”
As Cortese continues to grow as an artist, she remains committed to exploring new forms of expression. She has several exhibitions lined up for the coming year, including a solo show titled RAW FORM at Atithi Studios in Pittsburgh. This exhibit will showcase her latest works, each one a reflection of the raw, unfiltered creativity that has become her signature style.
For more about Samantha Cortese’s art and her ongoing projects, visit samanthacorteseart.com or follow her on Instagram @trialbypaint.
