Sam Savitt facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sam Savitt
Born	March 22, 1917 Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	December 25, 2000 North Salem, New York, U.S.
Alma mater	Pratt Institute
Occupation	Artist and author
Spouse(s)	Bette
Children	Vicki, Roger

Sam Savitt (born March 22, 1917 – died December 25, 2000) was a famous artist, author, and teacher. He was especially known for his amazing drawings of horses. Sam Savitt illustrated over 130 books, including many of his own. He was chosen as the official artist for the United States Equestrian Team. He also helped start the American Academy of Equine Art. His detailed horse charts are still used today, even by places like the Smithsonian Institution.

Early life and education

Sam Savitt was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania in 1917. He studied art at the Pratt Institute and graduated in 1939. He also served in the Second World War as a First Lieutenant. After the war, he continued his art studies at The New School and the Art Students League of New York. Sam Savitt loved horses and was a skilled rider himself. In 1956, he moved to North Salem, New York, a place known for horses.

Career highlights

Sam Savitt became very well-known for his horse artwork. In 1956, The New York Times praised his book Step-a-Bit: The Story of a Foal. They said his drawings were "charming and lively." That same year, he became the official artist for the United States Equestrian Team. His book Midnight, Champion Bucking Horse won an award in 1958. He also illustrated an important book about English riding called Learning to Ride, Hunt, and Show.

His paintings were used on posters for famous horse races like the Kentucky Derby. His art was shown in galleries and used by many companies. He even painted portraits of important people. It was a big deal for a racehorse to be drawn by Sam Savitt. He painted horses doing many activities, including polo, fox hunting, and show jumping. His 1981 book, Draw Horses with Sam Savitt, is still a top guide for drawing horses.

Sam Savitt wrote 16 books and helped write two others. He also illustrated more than 130 books by other authors. He created covers for Dell Books. He even drew for comic books featuring characters like Gene Autry and The Lone Ranger. His art appeared in many magazines, such as Equus and Sports Illustrated.

In 1998, Sam Savitt received a Lifetime Achievement Award. This award was from the North American Horseman’s Association. Equus Magazine also named him one of the most important horsemen of the 20th century. He co-founded the American Academy of Equine Art with other famous artists. With his wife, Bette, he started Black Horse Press in 1963. They sold his charts and copies of his artwork. His art was even used on home decorations.

Later life and passing

Sam Savitt passed away in 2000 at the age of 83.

Selected works

Sam Savitt was a very busy artist and author. Here are a few examples of the many books he created:

As an author

• Step-A-Bit; the story of a foal (1956)
• Midnight, champion bucking horse (1957)
• Draw Horses with Sam Savitt (1981)
• A horse to remember (1984)

As an illustrator (selected)

• Lad: A Dog by Albert Payson Terhune (1959)
• Horseback Riding (A Sports Illustrated book) (1960)
• The golden book of horses by George McMillan (1968)
• Summer Pony by Jean Slaughter Doty (1973)