Distress

by Sam Grudge

Sold out Original · one unique painting

There's something raw about this one — I called it Distress, and I meant it. Two energies colliding inside a single heart: yellow on the left, restless and coiling like a signal that won't settle; blue on the right, sharper, more erratic, cutting through with the urgency of something unresolved. The heart itself is drawn in rough charcoal strokes, open, unfinished — on purpose. I wasn't looking for resolution here. I was looking for honesty. Because distress isn't always dark. Sometimes it's electric. Sometimes it's bright and confused and still very much alive. This piece lives in that tension — and I think that tension is worth looking at.

Product specifications

Artwork type
Original (unique item)
Medium / Support
oil & acrylic on canvas
Dimensions
20 × 20 × 2 cm
Frame
None
Completed
2025
Current location
In private collection
Styles
expressionism · street art · mixed media · contemporary · gestural abstraction
Keywords
#heartart #distress #expressiveart #graffitiart #contemporarypainting

The collector’s proof

Studio certificate with handwritten signature and fingerprint
Certificate example from the studio archive.

Its story stays with you.

“A little of my soul goes into each painting. I want you to know where it came from—and that it is the original.”

Sam Grudge

  • A hand-signed certificate. Your certificate carries my signature. A copy stays in my studio register.
  • My fingerprint, on both. The fingerprint on your certificate matches the one on the artwork.
  • A matching serial number. A mechanically stamped number connects the painting to its certificate.
  • Signed front and back. My signature belongs to the painting itself, not just its paperwork.
  • Heart stamps in the wood. Stamped marks on the chassis and, when included, the frame help validate its origin—usually with hearts in several places on the chassis.
  • A person you can ask. Come back to me whenever you want to validate your certificate.
MoonlightSigned, fingerprinted and stamped.
SprinklesHandmade oak, signed and stamped.

Original artworks from the studio, shown as authentication examples—not the reverse of Distress.

A 100 × 100 cm solid-oak frame handmade by Sam, on the workbench in his workshop

The frame is part of the work.

I build from raw lumber or paint and adapt an existing frame—always as part of the painting.

  • Made to belong. Shape, finish and colour chosen for this painting.
  • Signed and marked. My writing and stamps authenticate both frame and painting.

See Product specifications for this artwork’s framing. Ask me about options.

Sam’s custom blue wooden shipping crate with red heart-shaped corner protectors

A crate made for your painting.

I make a unique wooden crate for each painting, usually with a textured finish. Protection with personality.

  • Built for this journey. Custom-built by me, in the studio, for your painting.
  • Protection, with a little style. 3D-printed heart corners protect the box from shipping damage—and look good doing it.

A custom crate, from my workshop to your doorstep.

See how I make the crates

From my studio.
To your door.

I pack your artwork and arrange its journey. You’ll know how it’s protected—and who to talk to.

Free hand
delivery.

Belgium & Luxembourg

Brought to your door by me or someone I trust, at no delivery charge.

Usually 2–3 daysfrom purchase, on average.

FedEx everywhere else.

FedEx

We’ve partnered with FedEx for the best possible shipping experience. Regional Economy in Europe, and International Economy to the United States and Canada.

  • Insured for its full valueProtection for the artwork’s full value while it travels.
  • Expected in 5–7 daysCounted from shipping—not from purchase.
  • Signature required on arrivalRequired for a secure handover at your door.
  • Tracked from dispatchYour tracking number arrives as soon as your artwork ships. Follow its journey on fedex.com.

Allow about two days to prepare the handmade crate before dispatch. Transit times are estimates; destination and customs checks can affect arrival.

Don’t miss these gems.

American Experiment pt.1 — close-up view American Experiment pt.1 50 × 50 × 4 cm An American flag reimagined with hearts in place of stars — Sam Grudge's painting asks what America might look like if love were its founding principle. Take a closer look American Experiment pt.2 — close-up view American Experiment pt.2 50 × 50 × 4 cm American Experiment pt.2 reimagines the American flag with hearts in place of stars — a bold, hopeful artwork about power, people, and leading with love. Take a closer look

One More Day Campaign

A little hope to carry with you. Art for the everyday, not just the wall.

Discover One More Day

Be Kind

Make someone’s day. Starting with your own.

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Product mockup
Delivery and returns

Questions about delivery or returning an artwork? Read our policy, or speak with me before you decide.

Read the return policy

Let’s talk about Distress.

Ask about collecting this original, the price, a frame or its journey to you. We’ll include the artwork details with your message.

Distress — join the waiting list

The limited edition of this artwork has not been released yet, be part of the first on the waiting list. No commitment. We will keep you posted. Our runs are usually between 20 and 200 depending on interest and prices are adjusted accordingly.
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