DPW Spotlight Interview: Scott Shearer

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings. 

To enter to win Scott's painting, "7up" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Scott's DPW Gallery page:

I have loved art as long as I can remember. I studied art at the University of Utah, receiving a BFA. I have been involved in art, in various fields, for the past 25 years. Right after college, I worked as a graphic artist and computer animator in Chicago, all the while painting on the side. It wasn't until around 2005 that I started to take my art more seriously. I started entering competitions and to my surprise did pretty well. I now live in Wisconsin on our old family farm and in 2015 I decided to finally paint full time. I like to paint whatever inspires me, from nature to still life to landscapes to people. I find interest in everyday subjects. Thanks for viewing my art. (click to view bio)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I have painted or drawn as long as I can remember. But it wasn't until high school that my teacher saw my raw talent, helped me develop and taught me about oil painting. She really was the one who encouraged me to pursue art and to always keep painting.

Did you have any stops and starts in your painting career?

It seems like I am always starting and stopping. The longest time that I didn't painting was when my oldest daughter was born 3 months premature. That was in 1993. I didn't get back into painting until 2005. It was like starting all over again. That was a real hard time.

7up
(click to see original image)

Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the home page announcing Scott's interview.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I started painting wildlife art in oils, but realized acrylics was a better medium for that genre. I continued painting tight realistic wildlife subjects for several years and just got kind of bored and burned out with it, so I changed everything. I went back to oils and painted anything I felt like and tried loosening up my style. That's when I took a Carol Marine workshop. A year later, I took a workshop from Doug Braithwaite and was introduced to plein air painting. These two artists opened me up to a whole new world.

Which ones have "stuck" and which ones have fallen away?

Well, I think painting in oils is here to stay. As for my style, the jury is still out. I am settling for something in between loose and tight. It just seems natural to me and I love things about both.

Toby
(click to see original image)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I don't think I'll explore any other kinds of mediums. I love oils and I have my hands full mastering all the things you can do with it.

I am still in pursuit of plein air painting. I love the freedom of being outside and the challenge of catching the right light. It's frustrating and fun at the same time.

Who or what inspires you most?

Who inspires me: Carol Marine, Doug Braithwaite, Josh Claire, N.C. Wyeth, Christopher Stott, Tibor Nagy. Should I keep going?

What inpires me: It might sound hokey, but life! The way evening light settles on an object. Watching an artist I admire develop a painting. Beautiful music inspires me.

GE Fan
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

There are a couple things: 1. unproductive T.V. watching. I can waste or procrastinate a whole day away with watching stupid shows. My wife can attest to that :) 2. Not believing in myself. Self doubt and insecurity will cripple me.

What techniques work to ensure that you make time for your art?

Having a plan. I need to set daily goals of what I want to accomplish. Otherwise, I will piddle around doing trivial things. I don't always reach those daily goals, but I get more accomplished when I make goals.

Iowa State Bird
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I get ideas from other artists and what they are painting. I think, "oh, that's cool." Seeing what others are doing and trying to change it a bit leads to different, more original ideas.

How do you keep art "fresh?" What techniques have helped you avoid burnout and keep your work vibrant and engaging?

Variety! Always trying new things. Some things work, some don't. I just keep thinking and looking for new things, new ideas to paint. Something always comes along.

Boulder Mtn. Vista
(click to see original image)

What do you feel you are learning about right now as an artist?

I have been concentrating on color theory. I really want to master this concept.

What makes you happiest about your art?

I guess when everything lines up right: color, value, brushstokes and I am able to create something I am really proud of. Also, the process of being able to create something that others appreciate. What a great blessing.

Thanks, Scott!

© 2015 Sophie Catalina Marine