Meet the Artist: Chicago Artist Scott Stoltman

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“Pug” – Scott Stoltman © 2012

Those of you who have been following my blog for a while know that I had started up a “Meet the Artist” series which, sadly, fell by the wayside when the old “ball and chain” (which I “lovingly” call my old corporate job) got in the way. Now that I have more time to devote to my blog, I am so happy to start up the Meet the Artist series once again.

Once a month, I will bring you an interview with a new artist, in various mediums, and allow them to tell you their story so that we all get the chance to know more about them and their work (and by all means, share with friends ;) )

I love that I get to kick the series off again with someone who, I can honestly say, is one of my favorite people. I am so lucky to have had the chance to meet, and get to know Scott Stoltman through my space at the Andersonville Galleria.

From the beginning, Scott has been a wonderful sounding board, and cheerleader, and I never fail to leave the Galleria with a smile when I get a few minutes to chat with him. (please note- I am not a paid spokesman, Scott is really that awesome)

I was struck by, and taken with, Scott’s work the minute I saw it. His attention to detail is inspiring for me, even as a photographer, as it makes me pay closer attention to what I am shooting to ensure every part of the photograph has it’s own important role just like every detail does in Scott’s work. When he told me he was going to be putting his work back up at the Galleria, I was sooo very excited and I am equally excited to share a little more about Scott, and his work, with you.

How long have you been painting and drawing and what got you started?

After taking some time off, I began drawing and painting again about 6 years ago. When I was 43 years old I ended a 20 year career in the airline industry. Facing a midlife crisis, I needed to reinvent myself. I began drawing again and shortly thereafter, painting.

“Untitled” – Scott Stoltman © 2012

What did you do to gain knowledge and skill in your craft? What advice do you have for budding artists?

I took art classes throughout high school and then went on to higher education at the American Academy of Art in Chicago (I was only 17 years old). Upon completing my time there life took me in a different direction and I literally did not do anything artistic for 25 years.

When I decided to get it kick started again, I took a few continuing education classes at a City College to get my hand, eye, mind coordination in sync. I am a firm believer that in reality however, 90% of what you know as an artist comes from within.

[For budding artists,] if it’s something that you really want to do, stick with it.

(I couldn’t agree more Scott!)

Do you have a favorite piece and why?

One of my favorite paintings is “After Breakfast”. From conception to execution, I tend to be very mechanical in my approach to a painting. The idea for “After Breakfast” however, was a rare occasion of spontaneity for me. One morning after finishing my Cheerios and banana I looked down at the bowl in the sink and for some unexplained reason, I had to paint it. The result is a quirky still life that I’m proud to say won an award at the Illinois Watercolor Society member’s show in 2011.

“After Breakfast” – Scott Stoltman © 2012

What motivates you to do what you do?

Honestly, I’m not one of those artists that absolutely lives to create. It’s something that I can do, and pretty well at that. I spent a lot of years not utilizing my talent. I feel now it’s time to cultivate it to the best of my ability. I do have to say however, that when I’m in the “zone” (fellow artists will know what that means), the world simply does not exist.

If you had to shut down your studio tomorrow and couldn’t paint or draw, how would you express yourself otherwise?

I have no idea.

(I think that’s the best answer I have ever received to that question… short, sweet and honest but speaks volumes at the same time!)

Do you think artistic ability is innate or learned?

I certainly believe that a person can be taught the so called “rules” of creating “good” art. However, I think basic, artistic ability is innate. You either have it, or you don’t.

“Spring Has Sprung” – Scott Stoltman © 2012

 

Do you find yourself attracted to work similar to yours or different?

Focusing on watercolor specifically, my tastes vary drastically. I appreciate the technical ability of a photo realistic painting and the spontaneity and creativity of a loose impressionistic painting. To me, there is no “wrong” or “right” way to express one’s self.

 

Thank you Scott for taking the time to let me interview you! I am so happy to be able to share your work and a bit about you with my readers. 

Scott’s work is available here in Chicago at the Andersonville Galleria and select pieces are available at the Leigh Gallery in Lakeview. If you aren’t local and would like to know more about his work and what is for sale, please feel free to comment below!

If you know an artist, or you yourself are one, and you would like to be a part of my”Meet the Artist” series, please feel free to reach out to me at info@traceycaponephotography.net for details.

I leave you with one of my favorite pieces by Scott, “Waxwing. This one makes me smile every time I see it :)

Enjoy!

*tracey*

“Waxwing” – Scott Stoltman © 2012

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111 thoughts on “Meet the Artist: Chicago Artist Scott Stoltman”

  4. Hi, I’m a fellow Chicago artist! Great to meet others from around here. I have to disagree a bit about innate vs. learned ability. Of course I’m speaking only from MY perspective… I never was interested in or did any art until my 30′s. Now I’m decades older and can’t imagine a day without art. Doesn’t innate mean that you were “born” to do it? Maybe the innate was somehow repressed? Also, check out the Greenleaf Art Center in Rogers Park (where I have my studio)– another collective of artists on the north side of Chicago.

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    • Hi Anita-
      Happy to hear from a fellow Chicago artist!

      I think what Scott meant, and I would have to agree, is that, while anyone can learn the basics of art, there is an inherent “eye” that some people are born with. I could very easily teach someone the basics of exposure settings, which lenses to use, etc and they could take a good photograph but some people have something in them that makes them take that to the next level and see things that others might not. You may have started later in life but perhaps your talent was there all along, you just weren’t in a place to express it until later :) So it’s more “born with it” than “born to do it.” ;) I have heard wonderful things about Greenleaf Art Center; I will have to check it out!

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      • OK, I understand what he/you are saying and I totally agree. Scott’s work is beautiful and I enjoyed your interview. FYI the next open studio event at the Greenleaf Art Center is in October. We have a lot of fun and hundreds usually attend–hope you can drop by.

      • Thanks for your comments Anita Miller. Tracey’s response is exactly what I meant. I’ve visited Greenleaf… great place.

  5. I’ve never heard of Scott Stoltman before, and I am glad I came across this post – I loved his works. Great interview! Thanks you, Life Through a Lens!

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  7. I was drawn to this blog because of the pug picture. I have this things for pugs and when I read the title and learned this blog was also about art I was thrilled. I love art so much, unfortunately I am not that talented. I wish I was because I find it so fun and such a great way to express yourself. By the way I am new and just started my first blog today…yippie!!! :)

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    • Thanks OneWeekToCrazy… if you ever want to see my work in person please visit the Leigh Gallery in Lakeview or the Anersonville Galleria. Enjoy your day.

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  13. The first drawing reminds me of the many pencil drawings I made as a student at the School of Art and Design on 56th Street in New York City. Back then in the mid 50′s it was called the School of Industrial Art. I have many found memories of those days and the great teachers I had. Thank you for sharing your work with the WordPress family. These days my artistic bend goes toward my poetry with the same joy of creation as my prior days of drawing.

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  17. What fantastic pieces! All are so amazing, I am in awe….. Your interview was great and I enjoyed his story. Thank you for bringing this to the world and congratulations on being Freshly Pressed!

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  27. Thank you everyone, for taking the time to stop by and take a peek at Scott’s work and comment! Scott is making his way through all the wonderful comments and compliments but I wanted to take a second to say thank you as well! :)

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  33. I love After Breakfast! It’s such a normal scene but somehow different in a kind of way. I really loved it! Actually, I loved all the paintings of Scott Stoltman. The Untitled one was really amazing! The colors and the way they come together make it look so good! Amazing paintings! Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!

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  34. Fantastic work! Love the colors! I really liked the “After Breakfast” piece. It’s great to see that more artists are using the internet to get their work out there ;)

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  36. Jenmonje, do you have a blog? LOVE the avatar picture! And MEET THE ARTIST writer, I love the one that looks like ocean. It looks like a painting with texture of underwater. Great interview too, you asked great questions.

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  37. Hi Tracey, I really loved this post. What an amazing artist and I love the work that looks like underground ocean. His responses to your questions were also very interesting I thought.

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  44. OMG, Scott Stoltman is good with that pug illustration. I could never match that level of artistry and I’m pretty decent when it comes down to sketching something out. But i guess some are born to do this and i find it fascinating how much detail is drawn into this art work. All i gotta say is wow -,o

    http://wp.me/2aAA8

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  46. Congratulations on being freshly pressed! It was the illustration of the pug that drew me into your blog and I’m so glad it did, Scott’s work is beautiful and I look forward to exploring your blog a bit more :-)

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      • Fredcredible… currently I do not have a website. You can view a number of my paintings on my personal page on Facebook. Under photos, I have an album dedicated to my watercolor paintings, oil paintings, and some graphite drawings. Hoping to have a business page on FB and/or a website up and running soon. I am also represented by the Leigh Gallery in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago and I have a small business in the Andersonville Galleria also in Chicago. Thanks again for your interest. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Have a great weekend.

  57. Pingback: These Are a Few of My Favorite Things… A Look Back at 2012 | Life Through a Lens

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