ABOUT SCOTT

ARTIST STATEMENT

Something made me pick up a paint brush; it just took me forty years to figure it out.

For decades, I fondly recall being genuinely curious, wondering about my physical surroundings, but wondering without depth and substance. Then something triggered. Suddenly, I began to see, really recognize and appreciate the undeniable, mysterious, and often breathtaking things that surround me each and every day. Passive glances turned to deep observation and contemplation. The rising and setting sun no longer represented bookends to the day but, rather, provided me the opportunity to become acutely aware of how the glorious nuances of light inject beauty to everything it lays upon. Sometimes moody and stark, other times glaring and radiant, I came to fully appreciate all conditions of light with equal marvel.

I could no longer ignore my burning, rapidly-escalating desire to unleash my creative essence. I had to capture those things around me in a way that was my own. It was important to record what I saw and how I interpreted the light. The paint brush came calling. Now, with those tools at my disposal, I finally figured out how to express the latent creativity that I’ve felt for so long. I am no longer held captive; the landscape and those things that occupy its space are my release. I am an Artist.

ARTIST BIO

Scott M. Dwyer, b. 1972, Washington D.C.

Scott appreciates the challenge and elation that goes into making a piece of art. To an untrained eye, the tasks are masked by the simplicity and beauty of outcome; to those that study, practice, fail, and persevere, the success represents so much more - it represents the enormity of something bigger that culminates inside of a picture frame.

While considered an artist, Scott understands and respects the other titles he wears with pride. Husband, father, and finance professional quickly come to mind. After graduating with a Bachelor of Finance degree, Scott pursued a career in higher education financial administration and later obtained his MBA. It is clear that throughout his life, the quest for knowledge, acceptance of challenge, and the pursuit of the uncharted have been Scott’s hallmarks. He constantly looks for ways to make himself more educated, well-rounded, and cultural, each in an effort to make his life more meaningful. The journey towards becoming an artist is no exception.

Through competing demands, Scott finds solace in the evenings and weekends that provide precious focused time to devote to his craft. He spends that time in a combination of balanced learning and practice. When not at the easel, his artistic education is focused on a litany of art education books, magazines, and digital media. Well-thumbed books and frequently-viewed educational DVDs are only a few of the resources he uses to learn at his own pace. Those physical assets are augmented with online exploration of other artists’ work, attendance at lectures and demonstrations, and exploring galleries whenever possible. This package of educational opportunities complements his self-guided approach to art education, relying on recognized professionals that are willing to share their experience and knowledge. For any and all of the above, he is eternally grateful.

As much as Scott understands education provides the foundation for understanding, he is keenly aware that true artistic growth mainly happens behind the brush. Principles of composition, value, color, edge, temperature, and texture culminate in Scott’s impressionistic approach. In particular, he is drawn to the use of broken color and how it takes on a more complex and brilliant visual image seen at a slight distance. Through that process, he has come to love the allure of the brushstroke and how different applications create a variety of visual aspects. Through plein air studies and finished studio pieces, Scott’s artwork continues to advance through exploration and practice of technique. He continually strives for artistic growth.

After a childhood spent in suburban Maryland, Scott now resides in Hillsborough, North Carolina with his wife and two sons. Their contact is his most important influence and source of inspiration.