A Few Thanksgiving Day Cards -- Just in Time

Hello All,

I haven't offered any new online cards lately, so since I had a little time today, maybe those of you that are online and can't visit everyone you'd like today -- can send a card or two to share those sentiments.

I have three cards to choose from, so check them out!

CLICK HERE to choose one and Send. 

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

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster's First in his Project Scuba Series

"Squirlie" -
 first in an ongoing series of commissions

Meet Squirlie, my first fish in Project Scuba.

I've been busy this summer. I just finished a new website for a non-profit organization, which will be unveiled soon. Part of my "creative energies" go into website development, which means less time for painting. But meanwhile I've had time to make headway on a very exciting art project. Let's call it Project Scuba.

Project Scuba began when I was contacted out of the....blue by a local businessman entrepreneur named David. I'm very easy to find on the internet, and David was specifically looking for a local NC artist who specialized in animals. David and his wife Sara are avid scuba divers and they soon came up with a novel idea for a niche market. Scuba divers always bring home souvenirs from their trip -- everything from cards to hats to T-shirts. So instead of have their choices limited to imported trinkets, why not create a high-quality line of products using fine art images?

I was selected because of my "whimsical" treatment of my subjects. I have done a few seascapes and marine life, including my "Crab in Space." David and his wife were anxious to see how I would create similar creatures with the tropical fish that divers see on Caribbean reefs.

We struck a deal for a series of commissions and the rest is history. We've chosen four fish to get us started. David and Sara are getting not only the original paintings out of the deal, but reproduction rights, leaving me the initial sum plus royalties.


The first painting in the project is called "Squirlie," a squirrel fish commonly found on scuba trips. David says it's like "a glamour shot of a fish" with the its lighting effects and treatment. Sara said she wanted the fish to look friendly, while I wanted to make him look "squirlie." Squirrel fish are known not only for the squirrel-like tails, but their wary behavior.


If anyone is interested, prints are on their way, and there will be hats and T-shirts. I can forward your name and contact to David, who is setting up an online store and marketing these to dive shops.

The best part was that Therese and I went out to eat to celebrate -- Captain Tom's Seafood. Mmmmmm.

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

From Father to Son Show at the Circa Gallery

One of Wayne Plaster's unique pottery Barrels

From Father to Son Show at the Circa Gallery


Two father and son pairs were recently featured in a special exhibit at the Circa Gallery in Asheboro. You can read a full story about the show here: Read the article in the Asheboro Magazine.  Scott Plaster still has paintings, cards, and prints remaining in the Circa Gallery as an ongoing exhibiting artist, and Wayne Plaster has some of his unique, handcrafted pottery barrels for sale.


Following are some pictures of the event:

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

Scott Plaster's Whimsical Art Cards Now at the Weatherspoon Gallery Gift Shop (WAM Shop)

Scott Plaster's Whimsical Art Cards Now at the Weatherspoon Gallery Gift Shop (WAM Shop)


I am pleased to announce that my greeting cards and notecard sets are now available at the Weatherspoon Art Museum gift shop. Manager of the shop, Kate, says she likes the modern and contemporary look of my Beetles and Flies cards, especially.

You should really go to this museum if you haven't been or haven't been lately. When I was there, I saw an incredible exhibition of Rackstraw Downes works, a showing of Matisse drawings, and a number of other great collections. What a great museum! It's no wonder that it has over 30,000 visitors a year....

You can see the gift shop in the picture below, right at the back entrance amid this beautiful architecture.

My Puzzles on Android!

I hope you can check it out!

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

My Puzzles are Now on the Android Market FREE

My Puzzles are Now on the Android Market FREE

The Gist:
I wanted to announce the availability of "PZL ME: Whimsical Art," the Android phone version of my art puzzles. As far as I know, I am the very first (or among the very first) contemporary artist using Android technology to promote his work. On a similar note, if you go to my website at http://scottplaster.com on a phone, you will also notice that you are taken automatically to a MOBILE version of my website, which is much easier to use on a phone, but still has all of the same content!

The Details:
Hello, everyone. Most of you that know me personally know that I love gadgetry, and some of you that know me best, know that I love it tooooo much sometimes! But, Android phones these days are definitely "where it's at." These pocket computers are changing, and will continue to change, our lives. I find myself not even wanting to pick up my laptop unless I really have to. My email is easier on my phone, for example.

Many of you have used the online puzzles on my website, and I thank you! But what if I said that similar puzzles are also available now for your Android phone or tablet? This all materialized because I saw a really nicely done puzzle application on the market, and I contacted the developer (in Bulgaria). We worked out a mutually beneficial arrangement -->> My content and his Programming!

All you have to do is scan this code with your phone and it will go directly to the download page. Alternately, you can go to the Android Market and search for "Whimsical Art".

I think you'll really like these. They track how you do on the puzzles, make it easy to set the degree of difficulty, and you can also use the same application for turning any picture on your phone into a puzzle.

My biggest puzzle fan has already tried some, and she wouldn't give my phone back!

For anyone who doesn't recognize the QR barcode here, you probably don't have an Android phone, or haven't had one for long. These are scanned by the phone and automatically to go a website link, or can even contain messages! You will be seeing these pop up all over the place as more and more people equip themselves with this new technology. If you do not have an Android phone, then get one. But if you don't, and want to enjoy my puzzles, you can always just use them on my website.

I hope you enjoy.

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

Screen Shots from PZL ME: Whimsical Art

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster Joins DAG

Laura Farrow's "Crying Man"

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster Joins DAG

A few weeks ago I was honored to be invited by the Director (Taj Forer) personally to join the Durham Arts Guild (DAG). Taj is an internationally recognized photographer with work all across the US and Europe. He came across my work and asked me to join, and I was thrilled!

The DAG is among the five oldest arts guilds in the entire country. They have two gallery spaces in downtown Durham. It has members from across the state.

Therese and I went to the opening of the Annual Members' Show and we were so impressed with the quality of work. I'll have a few exhibition opportunities (seasonal open shows, a juried show, and the chance to apply for a solo), and I'm really excited to be a part of such a talented, diverse group. Here were some of our favorites from the show:

Lilly Langer's "Fields of Red Clay"

Crystal Lee's "Kim" 

Dave Milkereit's "Bull City Ride"

Derrick Bryant's "First Sunset"

Detail of "Man Crying"

Deborah Younglao's "Lotus Field"

Crystal O. Hardt's "The Barefoot Girl"

Great Turnout!

What a talented group of artists!

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

NEW Father's Day Cards: "From Father to Son" Special Exhibit

NEW Father's Day Cards: "From Father to Son" Special Exhibit

To commemorate the upcoming "From Father to Son" Special Exhibit at the Circa Gallery opening Friday, June 17th (Details HERE), here is another Father's Day card featuring my whimsical art on my FREE Online Greeting Card site.

I hope you check them out. Your father deserves a card (even if it IS free -- it's the thought that counts, right?).

Send a Card NOW

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

New Father's Day Card for "From Father to Son" Exhibit

NEW Father's Day Cards: "From Father to Son" Special Exhibit

To commemorate the upcoming "From Father to Son" Special Exhibit at the Circa Gallery opening Friday, June 17th (Details HERE), here is another Father's Day card featuring my whimsical art on my FREE Online Greeting Card site.

I hope you check them out. Your father deserves a card (even if it IS free -- it's the thought that counts, right?).

Send a Card NOW

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

Plasters featured in Denton Orator: From Father to Son – two Denton artists show their heritage

Plasters featured in Denton Orator: From Father to Son – two Denton artists show their heritage



This article featured 
Week of June 10


When artist Scott Plaster took his father on a surprise trip to the Pisgah Covered Bridge in Randolph County it was the first time his father Wayne had been. What Wayne did not know at the time was that Scott had visited there several months earlier, photographed the bridge, and then painted an original watercolor painting for him as a gift. On the day of this surprise trip, Scott unveiled the painting, which he had hidden in the trunk of his car. It was Father’s Day, and Scott had wanted to do something special for his father as a way to pay him back for years of support during his early growth as an artist.

This type of tribute is what the “From Father to Son” special art exhibit opening at the Circa Gallery in Asheboro is all about. The Circa Gallery is the premier gallery in the area, showcasing the best work from artists and craftsmen from around North Carolina. The show will kick off at the start of Father’s Day weekend during the third Friday celebration on June 17 at 5 pm, and will feature the diverse artistic creations of two father and son pairs, the Plasters, along with a second father and son pair. The exhibit will showcase works from these four gentlemen as a way to show the artistic lineage of their creative endeavors. Although their work is in different media, the ties and influences show some interesting connections in subject matter, style, and treatment.

Scott Plaster began creating art at a very early age, mostly due to this father’s influence. Plaster recounted, “My daddy would draw these Picassoesque basketball players with long flowing arms and I would paint them in with those paints from the little blue jugs. Instead of guns and video games, I would get art supplies for Christmas.” Those early paintings and drawings stayed with Scott through his moves throughout NC, then VA, then to Bristol, VA, where they ended up mistakenly in an estate sale. The story of how he got those “priceless” early works back was recently featured in a Fox 8 News Buckley Report (go to http://tinyurl.com/scottonfox8 to watch it online).

Scott graduated as valedictorian from the first graduating class of South Davidson in 1989, then graduated with a Master’s degree from ASU in Boone. After exploring two other careers (IBM and internet consultant), Scott now teaches reading at Lexington High School, where he says he has found his true calling. He began exhibiting and selling his work as an artist when he moved back to NC and began his teaching career. He now has his “whimsical” animals and other artwork in over a dozen galleries, shops, and boutiques across the state. He has sold his work in numerous group and solo shows, and markets a full line of cards, prints, and framed reproductions. His website at http://scottplaster.com even features online puzzles and free e-greeting cards. Scott’s “Blue Al” will be seen on display for the first time in this exhibit, along with some other works never shown before, including some earlier works Plaster painted before he began creating his whimsical artwork.

Scott’s father, Wayne Plaster, didn’t start work as a potter until he retired from teaching over 15 years ago. Wayne taught in the NC public school system for over 30 years, spending the majority up until his retirement at Denton and South Davidson High Schools. Many people in Denton remember him as their history teacher or their baseball or basketball coach. He now serves as a Denton Town Commissioner and still lives with his wife Sue in their home of over 40 years. Since he began working with pottery, Wayne has trained with some of the best potters in the entire Southeast at the Randolph and Montgomery community colleges, including Mike Ferree and even a special workshop with Phil Morgan. Wayne has sold literally hundreds of pieces at festivals and shows across Central NC. He has regular customers who visit his booth every time he exhibits at Apex, Asheboro, Denton and other shows. Wayne often double-dips his glazes, sprays or drips them on, and has even created some pieces with hard-to-create crystalline glazes.

Wayne is known for his unique creations, and it’s not uncommon to see other potters repeating his patterns once they see them. “It’s always funny to see the other potters walking up to my booth. They’ll pick up one of my pieces and look at it really closely. By the next year, there will be four other potters doing the same thing,” he explained. He creates vases and bowls, but his realistic-looking barrels, textured burlap bread bowls, elephant tea pots, oil lamps, and praying angels are what keep his customers coming back time and time again.

The artistic tradition in the Plaster family goes back more than two generations. On display at the Circa Gallery will also be some creations by Thomas Albert Plaster, the father of Wayne and the grandfather of Scott. These include hand-carved miniature chairs and a chain carved from a single piece of wood, with no breaks. The youngest Plaster actually learned the artistry of basket weaving from his now-deceased grandfather when he was a young boy. As a teenager, Scott made baskets for family members and even sold them at crafts stores around Boone, but since then has reserved his creative talents for painting. People probably wonder if Wayne and Scott will ever combine their creative efforts, but Scott said, “He leaves painting to me, and I leave the pottery to him because he’s the one who does it best. At some point, we may join up and I’ll paint some hand-crafted tiles or plates he creates. That really would be a great way to partner with our art!”

The other father and son pair in this special exhibit share an equal artistic connection. Father Perry Boswell is an art teacher in a public high school, but creates his unique “historical” collages for galleries and venues across the Triad. His 19-year-old son Brennen joins his father in the exhibit, adding his abstract themes he creates from acrylic and multimedia. Brennen says he feels proud to be joining his father in this special exhibit.

The father to son heritage that used to be so crucial in the “crafts” era is still alive and well in these fathers and sons. The original (not for sale) “Pisgah Covered Bridge” painting will be on display, with prints for sale. The drive is not that far away from Denton for this chance to see the first exhibit this father and son pair have ever had together. Wayne and Scott say they might be convinced to reminisce a little on old times after the show at a local Chinese restaurant to make your drive well worth the trip.

Don’t miss this special exhibit, “From Father to Son,” on Friday, June 17 from 5 to 8 pm at the Circa Gallery in Asheboro. The show is free and open to the public. Check Scott’s website at http://scottplaster.com for details and a link to the Facebook event.

Memories Lost and Found: My Early Work - the Final Chapter

Memories Lost and Found: My Early Work - the Final Chapter
Sometimes we get lucky, very lucky. The artwork I had done in my first stages as an artist and kept with me for years, move after move, I thought was gone forever. Because of the kindness and generosity of one young man in particular, I was able to get that work back. If you haven't kept up with the story, you can read how it unfolded in Part I and Part II.

Now I have those early works on display at a gallery in Mebane, and have created an online "virtual" gallery showcasing them. The story was featured in a lengthy article in the Asheboro Magazine and was the subject of Bob Buckley's "Buckley Report" on Fox 8 News (WGHP).

Please peruse these links to learn about the whole story:

Read    ~   Watch    ~    See


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

New Featured Whimsical Artists: Thaneeya McArdle and Pristine Cartera-Turkus

Check out the two newest artists at Favorite Whimsical Artists:

Enjoy! ---Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster

Whimsical Artist Thaneeya McArdle

Whimsical artist Thaneeya McArdle is an internationally collected artist who has been creating art for as long as she can remember. The passion for her art shines through in all her work, from the abstract to the photo-realistic, but especially in her whimsical art. Her philosophy is embodied in her image below. ART ShOuLd B E :

In addition to her personal art site below, she also has a great whimsical venture at Art is Fun.

Website:

Learn more about Whimsical Artist Thaneeya McArdle.

Whimsical Artist Pristine Cartera-Turkus

Whimsical artist Pristine Turkus calls herself a "a modern Folk Artist." She loves scribbling, painting scenes that catch her eye and ideas/memories that move her. Her paintings of folk art angels, mermaids, seascapes, flora and fauna, and musical instruments are colorful, fun, and captivating. Turkus is a self-taught artist living in Huntington Beach, California and also an Interior Designer.

She began using her artwork as accessories for her client's houses, stores and offices. When she started posting her work online a few years ago, she gained an audience of admirers and buyers around the country and even world. Her artwork is done in mixed media (oil, acrylic and ink) and she likes using joyful, whimsical colors. She says, "the most common comment I hear regarding my work is that my artwork just makes people smile."

Turkus is often solicited for commissions and has sold her art all over the world.

Website:


Learn more about and buy art from Whimsical Artist Pristine Turkus.

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster Featured in Fox 8 News Buckley Report

Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster Featured in Fox 8 News Buckley Report

I was recently featured in Bob Buckley's report on Fox 8 News (WGHP). In case you missed it, here it is online:

 

An article about this subject appears in the May issue of the Asheboro Magazine:

"When I got that email, my heart sank! I couldn't believe it," said whimsical artist Scott Plaster about the recent recovery of his early, childhood work. Back in February, Plaster got an email from someone in Bristol where he used to live. Harry's email just said, " I volunteer at a thrift store in Bristol VA which has recently acquired several of your early works! Some of which are dated as far back as '85. They were out for sale at the store when we started going through them and examining them more closely. That's when we removed them from the sales floor and contacted you!" The worker had tracked down Plaster through the internet and his website (he is easy to "find"). Plaster is an artist well-known for his line of "whimsical animals" and exhibits and sells his work all over the state of North Carolina. His work has been featured in newspapers, magazines, and even a feature segment on Fox 8 news. He's been painting for over 30 years, but has only marketed his work for the past few years. What "secrets" does his early work show about Plaster as an artist?

What makes this story so fascinating is the extent and breadth of this early artwork. Plaster had kept his sketches, drawings and paintings for literally years, from before the age ten on through his young adulthood. Plaster first started oil painting at the age of nine, and is largely self-taught. All kept neatly catalogued in a brown cardboard storage box measuring approximately four feet long by two feet wide, this early work followed Plaster wherever he went, like archeological treasures...


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

Read the Whole Story!

Winners: Most Whimsical Cat or Dog on Fine Art America

Winners: "Most Whimsical Cat or Dog" on Fine Art America


Does anyone else create anything they consider 'whimsical'? I started painting these whimsical animals and now I can't stop! I suppose other subjects can be whimsical, but nothing has more character than animals... 

Our last contest was for the Most Whimsical Dog or Cat; you'll see the winning images below. 127 whimsical artists participated and submitted their whimsical art!! I'm happy to say that 'Cry Baby' put on a great online marketing campaign during the contest and came out victorious. Congratulations to the other winners and ones who came in with a number of votes. 


Here are some really great whimsical artists. You should check them out:

2nd Place: "Crazy Cat lady"       by Arvind T Akki	3rd Place: "5 Cats"   by Pristine Cartera Turkus	Honorable Mention: "Pathetic Persian Gets a Bath"  by Kerra Lindsay

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

NEW Father's Day Cards: "From Father to Son" Special Exhibit

NEW Father's Day Cards: "From Father to Son" Special Exhibit

To commemorate the upcoming "From Father to Son" Special Exhibit at the Circa Gallery opening Friday, June 17th (Details HERE), I created SIX online Father's Day cards featuring my whimsical art on my FREE Online Greeting Card site:

I hope you check them out. Your father deserves a card (even if it IS free -- it's the thought that counts, right?).

Send a Card NOW

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

Whimsical Artist Featured on Fox 8 News ...

At the Crossroads in Bristol: How Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster Got His Lost Work Back

UPDATE: Scott featured on Fox 8 

Watch it ONLINE

This article appears in the May issue of the Asheboro Magazine:

"When I got that email, my heart sank! I couldn't believe it," said whimsical artist Scott Plaster about the recent recovery of his early, childhood work. Back in February, Plaster got an email from someone in Bristol where he used to live. Harry's email just said, " I volunteer at a thrift store in Bristol VA which has recently acquired several of your early works! Some of which are dated as far back as '85. They were out for sale at the store when we started going through them and examining them more closely. That's when we removed them from the sales floor and contacted you!" The worker had tracked down Plaster through the internet and his website (he is easy to "find"). Plaster is an artist well-known for his line of "whimsical animals" and exhibits and sells his work all over the state of North Carolina. His work has been featured in newspapers, magazines, and even a feature segment on Fox 8 news. He's been painting for over 30 years, but has only marketed his work for the past few years. What "secrets" does his early work show about Plaster as an artist?

What makes this story so fascinating is the extent and breadth of this early artwork. Plaster had kept his sketches, drawings and paintings for literally years, from before the age ten on through his young adulthood. Plaster first started oil painting at the age of nine, and is largely self-taught. All kept neatly catalogued in a brown cardboard storage box measuring approximately four feet long by two feet wide, this early work followed Plaster wherever he went, like archeological treasures...

Read the Whole Story!

At the Crossroads in Bristol: How Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster Got His Lost Work Back

At the Crossroads in Bristol: How Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster Got His Lost Work Back

This article appears in the May issue of the Asheboro Magazine:

"When I got that email, my heart sank! I couldn't believe it," said whimsical artist Scott Plaster about the recent recovery of his early, childhood work. Back in February, Plaster got an email from someone in Bristol where he used to live. Harry's email just said, " I volunteer at a thrift store in Bristol VA which has recently acquired several of your early works! Some of which are dated as far back as '85. They were out for sale at the store when we started going through them and examining them more closely. That's when we removed them from the sales floor and contacted you!" The worker had tracked down Plaster through the internet and his website (he is easy to "find"). Plaster is an artist well-known for his line of "whimsical animals" and exhibits and sells his work all over the state of North Carolina. His work has been featured in newspapers, magazines, and even a feature segment on Fox 8 news. He's been painting for over 30 years, but has only marketed his work for the past few years. What "secrets" does his early work show about Plaster as an artist?

What makes this story so fascinating is the extent and breadth of this early artwork. Plaster had kept his sketches, drawings and paintings for literally years, from before the age ten on through his young adulthood. Plaster first started oil painting at the age of nine, and is largely self-taught. All kept neatly catalogued in a brown cardboard storage box measuring approximately four feet long by two feet wide, this early work followed Plaster wherever he went, like archeological treasures...

Read the Whole Story!

Another Animal Creation from Whimsical Artist Scott Plaster

My Latest Whimsical Animal, "Blue Al"
This was a little time in coming, but I finally finished another oil painting, 30" x 40" "Blue Al."  This larger-than-lifesize hoot owl was photographed by friend Susan Boswell on her way to work in Davidson County.

The background was inspired by tree branches and a morning sky, creating a tapestry or stained glass effect. It uses four distinct shades of blue, with "branches" intersecting. The owl itself is stylized with simplified shapes and striking blue eyes.

The original is available for sale, and is scheduled to be on exhibit at the "From Father to Son" show at the Circa Gallery in Asheboro, NC in June, unless it sells first. Contact the artist directly until then for more information about owning the painting.

Prints and cards will be available.

As a whimsical artist, I'm excited to offer another creation to my line of whimsical animals.

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