Sam Coulter was born in Kilnock, Co. Antrim in 1925. He studied Art and Design in Ballymena College with W.G. Grieves (German Senior Art Master) from 1941-1945.

From 1977 - 1981 he participated in group exhibitions across Canada including Ottawa, Montreal, and Québec. He returned to Ireland in 1981, where he continued to be influenced by the unique light in Connemara, painting there regularly.

Sam also studied music and played the saxophone, clarinet and piano with show bands during the 50's, 60's and 70's.

He exhibited in several galleries, of which include: Arches Gallery, Belfast; Workman Gallery, Larne; Todd Gallery, Colerane; Atlantic Gallery, Kinsale; Kenny Gallery, Galway; D. Dowling Gallery, Clifden, Galway; McKelvey Travelling Exhibition, Ireland Peebles Gallery, Scotland; Rennie Gallery, Morning Side, Edinburgh.

His paintings are held in private collections all over the world.

Sam Coulter died in 2023.