Introduction
Whether illustrated as a dynamic and mysterious glowing creature amongst the depths, or as juxtaposingly golden and vibrant, it is clear that the Octopus sits at the heart of ocean wildlife from which Samantha derives her inspiration. Part of Samantha’s fascination comes from the act of painting itself; she describes how their free-flowing form allows her hand to glide across the canvas, as if she’s floating with them. This powerful connection has developed across her art, and part of which can be rooted in a very real encounter she had with an Octopus while in the South of France…
Once Upon a Time in the South of France…
I was snorkelling in a small bay near Colliure, a beautiful town on the Mediterranean close to the Spanish border, when I came across the same octopus three days in a row, always in the same spot. By the third day, I felt as if we had developed a rapport. The visibility in the water wasn’t great, but I decided to test what might happen if I reached my hand towards him — not to touch, just to see if he would react. Would he ink me? Would he jet away? Or would he dare to come closer?
What happened instead astonished me. He picked up a large scallop-like shell, lifted it over his head, and seemed to play a game with me. I had to surface to laugh because I was so taken aback. I had expected fear or defence, but instead I saw intelligence, curiosity, even playfulness.
And in this chance encounter, a powerful and persevering fascination with octopuses was created.
Samantha’s Octopuses
This fascination has allowed Samantha’s octopus portraits to mostly be done by memory, not in reference to specific species, but infinitely unique in their textures, patterns, and variation in every curve and tentacle.
However, some species are specifically showcased, such as the extraordinary blue-ringed octopus. As the Natural History Museum website details, these creatures are hardly larger than a golf ball, however, their release of tetrodotoxin venom when threatened - an attribute that also provides them with their luminous blue spots - can be deadly to humans, a testament to their power. Additionally, their impossibly agile form, like other octopuses, defines them as ‘escape artists, able to get themselves out of even the most secure tanks’. For this reason, we can see how their dynamic and morphing body provides an infinite source of inspiration for Samantha’s ever-changing Octopus pieces.
Samantha's 'Blue-Ringed Octopus Print' - available for purchase
The Sketched Mount - A ‘Happy Accident’
One of the more recent developments in these pieces is what she describes as a ‘happy accident’, when she was commissioned to paint an octopus…
It took me more than 30 hours, and when I finished, I deliberately painted the tentacles spilling off the canvas, believing it would create a powerful effect. But when I stood back, I was disappointed — it just didn’t look right.
My husband, watching me wrestle with the piece, simply said: “Why don’t you just paint on the mount?” At first, I thought he was ridiculous. You can’t watercolour on a mount — it’s the wrong material. Frustrated, I left it and went to bed.
The next morning, with fresh eyes, I decided to sketch on the mount anyway, just to see how it would look if the tentacles were truly extended. To my amazement, it worked beautifully.
Since then, Samantha’s sketched-mount octopuses have become a staple in her collection. It is the uniqueness of each one that is so striking; each one carries its own energy, which is the perfect way to represent the remarkably intelligent octopus.
Samantha's 'Octopoda with Sketched Mount'
Conclusion
And so, Samantha’s collection of Octopus paintings does not just sit at the heart of her oceanic inspiration, but their ever-changing and unique depiction fundamentally illustrates her own artistic journey.
Explore Samantha’s collection of premium prints here
Explore Samantha’s range of original octopus paintings for sale
And check out her Instagram, to find out which creatures Samantha gets up to painting next!
Written by Erin Churchman
Business Development and Marketing Assistant at Samantha Frances Art
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