Sam Lacombe studied painting with David Aronson and Robert D'Arista at Boston University, where he received a BFA degree in painting in 1988, and an MFA in painting in 1990.

He is a painter involved in the issues of form, light, space, design, and process, and for the past ten years his paintings have centered on urban Americana, particularly mid to late twentieth century signage.

He began teaching in 1994 at Boston University and the Art Institute of Boston. In 2006 he relocated to Baltimore with his wife, Rebecca, who is an illustrator. His work is in several private collections and has been exhibited in group and solo shows nationally and abroad. He was a semi finalist in the 2007 Bethesda Painting Award competition. His work is currently represented by Liberty Gallery in King's Hill, England.