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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Memories Lost and Found: The Hopeful Recovery of My Early Work

"Study in Sienna" - watercolor in monochrome
Memories Lost and Found: The Hopeful Recovery of My Early Work


This is a story about Memories "lost and found" and makes you ask the question, what are those artifacts really worth? What is art really worth? What are memories worth?

It is a complicated story with a few twists, but it's the most interesting thing that's happened to me in a while. I've been creating art for at least 30 years, so it all started years back when I stored some of my paintings and drawings in a box under my bed. It was a long, 4-foot long cardboard storage box and had everything from sketches to some completed pastel, colored pencil, watercolor, and even oil on panel. Many of my earliest works were among them, carefully stored for years, following me with every move into my adult life, from Denton to Boone to Raleigh to Holly Springs to Richlands to Bristol. And then where?

"Mountain Sunset" - an early 12" x 16" oil on panel

I had a troubled time when I lived in Bristol, VA and had amassed an extension collection of furniture, books, memorabilia and other belongings, including art supplies, vintage frames, tools and supplies, and completed paintings. I packed to move and had to move quickly to take a job. I had a dilemma. How could I take everything? 30-some years of belongings filling over 6,000 square feet....I had to make some choices. I even made a few trips back and forth once I had made the "big move," but still only made a dent.

"Reaching Out" - pencil study

I moved mainly what I needed and could sell for money, including a single bedroom of furniture, my art essentials, only the choicest books, and my clothing. I sold the remaining belongings (everything left in the house) to an investor. I did not realize it until it was too late that among those items was that box of my early artwork. Nothing could replace that. It was gone. And so I adjusted to the fact that all of those memories and traces of my early artistic development were gone forever. All I had left was the memories.

Fast forward nearly 10 years. I got an email from a thrift store employee saying that the owner had bought at an estate sale a stack of artwork signed by me (presumably) and dating back to the 1980's. Was it me?

I gasped when I read the email! I couldn't believe it. At once I felt thrilled, cheapened, frustrated, angry, and anxious. I wasn't even dead, and my former belongings had gone through an estate sale. I'm not a dead, famous artist, and already my "early works" are being pilfered through to see what is worth "saving." This store employee I am extremely grateful to for contacting me. He had the decency and respect that I would want anyone to have in this situation. This was obviously an intimate collection of artwork, and not just a few pieces from a collector. This employee even took pictures for me, and from these rough photos I contorted and reconstructed the few images you see here. I was told how much the owner had paid, and although it wasn't the price of a newly discovered Vermeer, it wasn't a drop in the bucket, either. It was a large enough amount for me to have to think whether it would be worth it to pay for these items that I had lost through my own fault and doing. I had, after all, already "said goodbye" to them.

During the day, so many thoughts stirred in my head about these issues. What value would these early pieces have to anyone? I didn't and don't even consider them anything other than "student" pieces. It was years before I considered my work Good Enough to market. These early works, in my mind, were just as well lost and gone forever, for no one to see. Now that I look at them retrospectively from 20+ years in the future, maybe I can view them with a more objective eye. In the "Study in Sienna," I see skill in the rendering, in the perspective, and the treatment of the objects. I have no idea where I got the original image or idea from. It kind of reminds me of a Vermeer, actually. I wouldn't have had access to an antique drop-leaf table, so I can only assume I saw this image in a book.

In the "Mountain Sunset" I can see the bravado of the brush strokes and the bold use of color. I like the use of tonal and aerial perspective and I think the clouds are nicely rendered. Not bad for a 9th-grader, I think to myself! And lastly, although I do not consider myself a good "drawer," in the pencil drawing "Reaching Out," I can see the bold use of line and expressive nature of this work.

Can I look back at these early works and say that at an early age I had a natural "talent"? That is such a sticky question, because as soon as you call something a talent rather than a skill, you nearly deny the ability that these qualities can be taught or learned. I would conclude in compromise and say -- that I had an "aptitude" and that at an early age I spent hours and hours developing it, mostly on my own and in the dark ages before the internet -- through books and the Artist's Magazine. You can learn more about my early stages in an online interview HERE.

The last chapter of what happened to this treasure (to me) of my early artwork hasn't quite been written. Let's just say it may end up with a happy ending. I sure hope it does.

I will be sure to let you know.

---Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster
http://scottplaster.com

Please tell me your comments about this story by posting below!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster Featured at Whopple.com

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster featured

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster Featured at Whopple.com. What are your Inspirations?


Just one of the questions from the interview:

Q: What are your inspirations?
Scott: The inspiration for my whimsical animals is connecting to the “character” of the subject. That’s one reason why I like to paint my animals life-size or larger; they’re that much more real to me that way. The natural world has always inspired me  ..... READ MORE

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I am a featured artist on a national website! A detailed interview is featured on the Whopple homepage this week, but you can link to it directly HERE. Anne Marie from Whopple.com says, "Your artwork is beautiful and your interview is really wonderful.  Tons of fun." I am honored to be featured and have a chance to talk more about my whimsical art!  

Whopple features artist interviews from around the country and submits press releases nationwide to a wide range of galleries and arts organizations.

Please read the full article and get answers to these questions and more:


  • How long have you been an artist?
  • Tell us about your first attempts to be creative.
  • Do you make a living with your art?
  •  How many hours a day do you create?
  • How did you pick your creative medium?
  • What are your inspirations?
  • What is your favorite art related book?
  • How do you recharge when your creativity hits the wall?
  • What was your first job?
  • What gives you hope in the world?
  • What do you wish you could do?
  • What are your artistic goals?
  • What has been your most exciting moment as an artist?

---Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster Featured at Whopple.com

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster featured

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster Featured at Whopple.com


Just one of the questions from the interview:

Q: How did you pick your creative medium?
Scott:
 I’m not sure I have! I go through phases working with different media and I’m not sure where that cycle will take me next. I began in oils early on ..... READ MORE

----------------------------------------------

I am a featured artist on a national website! A detailed interview is featured on the Whopple homepage this week, but you can link to it directly HERE. Anne Marie from Whopple.com says, "Your artwork is beautiful and your interview is really wonderful.  Tons of fun." I am honored to be featured and have a chance to talk more about my whimsical art!  

Whopple features artist interviews from around the country and submits press releases nationwide to a wide range of galleries and arts organizations.

Please read the full article and get answers to these questions and more:


  • How long have you been an artist?
  • Tell us about your first attempts to be creative.
  • Do you make a living with your art?
  •  How many hours a day do you create?
  • How did you pick your creative medium?
  • What are your inspirations?
  • What is your favorite art related book?
  • How do you recharge when your creativity hits the wall?
  • What was your first job?
  • What gives you hope in the world?
  • What do you wish you could do?
  • What are your artistic goals?
  • What has been your most exciting moment as an artist?

---Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster Featured at Whopple.com

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster featured

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster Featured at Whopple.com

I am a featured artist on a national website! A detailed interview is featured on the Whopple homepage this week, but you can link to it directly HERE. Anne Marie from Whopple.com says, "Your artwork is beautiful and your interview is really wonderful.  Tons of fun." I am honored to be featured and have a chance to talk more about my whimsical art!  

Whopple features artist interviews from around the country and submits press releases nationwide to a wide range of galleries and arts organizations.

Please read the full article and get answers to these questions and more:


  • How long have you been an artist?
  • Tell us about your first attempts to be creative.
  • Do you make a living with your art?
  •  How many hours a day do you create?
  • How did you pick your creative medium?
  • What are your inspirations?
  • What is your favorite art related book?
  • How do you recharge when your creativity hits the wall?
  • What was your first job?
  • What gives you hope in the world?
  • What do you wish you could do?
  • What are your artistic goals?
  • What has been your most exciting moment as an artist?

---Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster

Sunday, February 13, 2011

The time is NOW -- FREE Valentine's E-Cards from Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster


The time is NOW -- FREE Valentine's E-Cards from Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster


OK Guys (and Ladies), the time to send one of my free whimsical art greeting cards is NOW! I've got a number to choose from, one for every mood. 


So, why not go ahead and send one? 


Send one now!


---Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster
http://scottplaster.com

Saturday, February 12, 2011

The time is NOW -- FREE Valentine's E-Cards from Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster's Whimsical Art Greeting Cards

The time is NOW -- FREE Valentine's E-Cards from Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster


OK Guys (and Ladies), the time to send one of my free whimsical art greeting cards is NOW! I've got a number to choose from, one for every mood. 


So, why not go ahead and send one? 


Send one now!


---Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster
http://scottplaster.com

Friday, February 11, 2011

Send a FREE Online Whimsical Art Valentine!

Send a FREE Online Whimsical Art Valentine!
I created this online greeting card site before the holidays as a new way to share my whimsical artwork with a wider audience. In today's tough economic climate, most people are struggling financially more than ever. I decided to not let that be an impediment to sharing my work -- for FREE.

I have online puzzles that many people have grown to love. Have you tried them yet? Just go to http://puzzles.scottplaster.com.

Next came my online greeting cards. They really took off over the holidays. With a wide assortment of Christmas cards, I added a Get Well card and some birthday cards. So far, over 600 cards have been "picked up"!

Now, we're getting close to Valentine's Day! I have a range of cards just perfect for this season. If you're getting your loved one a "real" present, consider an online card an extra, I'm-thinking-of-you token to really brighten that special someone's day. If you're still not sure what to do for someone you've met recently, what a nice icebreaker!

Whatever the level of romance you desire, one of these whimsical art greeting cards might be just the thing to get things really smoldering!

Send One Now


----Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster
http://scottplaster.com

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Your Time is Running Out to send a FREE Whimsical Art Valentine's Card

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster's Whimsical Art Greeting Cards
Time Running Out -- FREE Valentine's E-Cards from Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster


OK Guys (and Ladies), your time is running out to send one of my free whimsical art greeting cards! I've got a number to choose from, one for every mood. 


So, why not go ahead and send one? Then, you'll have time to get one back!


Send one now!


---Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster
http://scottplaster.com

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Top Reasons to send one of my Whimsical Art Valentine's E-cards

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster's Whimsical Art Greeting Cards
Top Reasons to Send One of my Whimsical Art Valentine's Cards
Hello All. I found this extremely informative bit in a Facebook group recently, and so I'll quote it here:

"People usually send cards to convey a message: to show that they care, are thinking about someone or congratulating somebody, but did you know that:

a. About 200,000 trees are pulped every year just to send cards over the Christmas period? Even if these trees are from sustainable sources there will be an environmental impact because of the machinery required to process them.

b. Each year millions of items are lost in the post. Cards are particularly vulnerable as they are easily identifiable and may contain money.

c. The average person sends 55 greeting cards per year and spends a whopping £75 - £100. Hey, times are getting harder right now!

e-mail has replaced informal letter writing.

Digital photography is/has replaced conventional film.

So why not replace paper cards with eCards?

Whilst people would love to send eCards the reason that we don’t is because we fear that we may be perceived as being cheap, thoughtless or less caring.

Come on Wake Up! Nobody said that sending a greeting card needs to be expensive or that the amount of feeling conveyed is directly proportional to amount of hassle endured obtaining it! You can send an eCard with just as much feeling attached to it as a paper one.

All that is required is a sender e-mail address (which you have otherwise you wouldn’t be on Facebook right?) and a recipient e-mail address, easily set up.

Good reasons to send an eCard instead of a paper card:

1. Miniscule environmental impact. (Computer has to be plugged in - granted)

2. Cheap/free to obtain. (Check for spam though)

3. Free to send. (Major bonus)

4. No risk of it getting lost in the snail mail. (Major bonus)

5. Huge choice and lots of suppliers.

6. Fun and interactive.

7. You can still add a personalised message.

8. Quick and easy, no last minute running down the shops.

9. Money can be sent via internet banking/PayPal instead. It won't get pinched en route and you won't have to worry about cancelling cheques that didn't arrive.

All that is required is to gradually adjust peoples’ thinking. Why not have a chat with your friends and family to see how they feel about it.

Sending an eCard instead of a paper card is perfectly acceptable."



--Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster
http://scottplaster.com

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster offers FREE Online Whimsical Art Greeting Cards for Valentine's Day

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster's Whimsical Art Greeting Cards
Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster offers FREE Online Whimsical Art Greeting Cards for Valentine's Day


Did know that over 12 million Valentine's Day cards will be mailed this year? That doesn't count the ones that are hand-delivered, or sent through the internet. Why not send a FREE e-card from ArtGreetingCardsOnline.com? There are 6 so far to choose from using the whimsical artwork of Scott Plaster. Hallmark.com charges $12 for a subscription to its e-cards, and some of their cards cost $1 each. A paper card would cost you $2-5, a stamp, and a trip to the post office.


Guys, this could be your chance to send something not too threatening to break the ice! 


Send one of these early, and there'll be time to get one back!


Over the holiday season, over 600 of my cards were picked up. How soon will we hit the 1,000 card mark?


While you're at my site, you can check out online puzzles (also free), and my current exhibits.


Send a Card!


Happy Valentine's!


----Scott
http://scottplaster.com

Monday, February 7, 2011

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster offers FREE Online Whimsical Art Valentine's Cards

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster offers FREE Online Whimsical Art Greeting Cards for Valentine's Day

I'm pleased to announce a continuation of my FREE online greeting cards for the upcoming holiday -- Valentine's Day! Yes, fellows, she IS expecting a card. Why not send a free one? Hallmark.com charges a dollar a piece for some of its online cards. Mine are free, local, and whimsical! This cute duck is just what will bring a smile to your sweetie's face!

My whimsical art greeting cards are quick and easy to use, and I have six choices to start with, with some new offerings as we get closer to the 14th.

Just go to the site, select the card, type in the e-mail address and your personal message, and click Send. It's that easy. You even get a message when the card is picked up.

Click here to see my Valentine's Day cards.


---Scott
http://scottplaster.com

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Whimsical Artist offers FREE Online Whimsical Art Greeting Cards

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster's Whimsical Art Greeting CardWhimsical Artist Scott Plaster offers FREE Online Whimsical Art Greeting Cards for Valentine's Day

I'm pleased to announce a continuation of my FREE online greeting cards for the upcoming holiday -- Valentine's Day! Yes, fellows, she IS expecting a card. Why not send a free one? Hallmark.com charges a dollar a piece for some of its online cards. Mine are free, local, and whimsical!

My whimsical art greeting cards are quick and easy to use, and I have six choices to start with, with some new offerings as we get closer to the 14th.

Just go to the site, select the card, type in the e-mail address and your personal message, and click Send. It's that easy. You even get a message when the card is picked up.

Click here to see my Valentine's Day cards.


---Scott
http://scottplaster.com

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Whimsical Artists Manifesto, Part 3: A Whimsical Artist's Woodcarving

Whimsical Artists Manifesto, Part 3: 
A Whimsical Artist's Woodcarving

I've been talking about what defines a "whimsical artist" and so far I've only really considered paintings. You can read my earlier discussions here: Part 1 and Part 2.

Bob Stuart is a trial member of my arts organization, The Cosmic Cow Society, who works as a wood carver. He calls his creations "woodland spirits" after the centuries-old tradition traced back to the Black Forest area of Germany. Bob carves his creations out of cypress knees salvaged from swamps and rivers in Florida. It is so interesting to hear him discuss his process from start to finish. It's remarkable!

Would we consider these wood carvings "whimsical"?  I'm not sure if Bob considers himself a whimsical artist, but would he qualify if we compared his carvings to whimsical paintings? Let's take a closer look at Bob's whimsical carvings.

I've talked about both style and subject matter at what distinguishes whimsical artwork. Bob painstakingly carves each cute little fellow with a beard that could surely be called "whimsical." He even explains he has three styles of beard -- one is even called the Fu Manchu Droop! Even though Bob's carvings do not have added pigment, he brings out the rich colors of the cypress through the hours of his finishing process. The final finish is certainly bright and cheery.

What about the finished artwork is whimsical? Do you smile or even laugh when you first experience these cute little guys? I certainly did. Their warm personality that Bob captures in wood reminds me of the type of character I try to illustrate when I paint one of my animals.

Meeting Bob in person, it's clear his own carefree whimsical nature comes across in his art carving. I would definitely consider him a whimsical artist. Would you?

Why not register your vote and see what we come up with? Please click your vote on the poll to the LEFT.

You can learn more about Bob's work at His Website.

---Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster

http://scottplaster.com
Check out My Whimsical Greeting Cards