Meet Scott W. Prior | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Scott W. Prior and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scott W., we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
As a fine artist, everything is a risk. Especially if you’re ALL in. I mean this is all I do, it’s me, I am an artist to the core, There’s no back up plan, I don’t have a retirement fund from a previous life, I didn’t inherit a bunch of money to fund my career as an artist, it’s all on me. Most people don’t realize that as visual artists, we are basically a one-man-band and it’s a hustle, we’re the shipping and receiving department, the marketing/social media person and then we’re the creative one who has to come up with the paintings or drawings, that we poured our whole soul into. And hopefully, hopefully people will like what we’ve created and will buy a painting or two so we can keep doing what we love to do. So yeah, there’s a lot of risk with being an artist, risk is part of it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a traditional artist, I’d say I’m more known for my Urban and Genre(everyday life) paintings. It’s not just the subject matter that people like, but more the technical aspect of painting, how I handle the composition, light, form and structure of the scenes I paint. Some call me an “artist’s, artist”, meaning I paint paintings of stuff most artists won’t paint, but want to paint it, but don’t because they don’t have the technical skills or because “it won’t sell”, usually it’s the latter. Choosing this path isn’t the easy way to go, perseverance and tenacity is basically how I made it through the hard times. The art world is a tough one to “make it” in, you have to keep your chin up and when a door opens even just a little bit, get that big toe in there and go through it. If it closes, then go through the next one and the next one. Eventually you’ll find your door, where you fit in and find the right people to work with.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since I’m not a resident and more of a tourist, I live in Oceanside CA, my experience going out there is limited. But I have been to Colorado/Denver a few times for different art shows and family vacations. There’s so much to do there, where do I start?

Besides the beauty of Colorado, there is a lot of history there, which I love to research about the areas I get to explore and paint as an artist. One of the first places I went to was the Buckhorn Exchange. Talk about history, they were established in 1893, their alcohol license is 001.. My first time there I ate alone and was just soaking it all in, thinking about the old days and wondering what that was like back then. They have all kinds of different game/meat to try, from Elk to Rocky Mountain Oysters. It’s very a special place and definitely a place I’d take someone to.

Since I’m being the tour guide, I’d take my guest on a road trip, up to Estes Park/Rocky Mountain National Park. First stop being the Stanley Hotel. Depending on the time of year I’d take them for a drive over the Trail Ridge Road, down into Fraser Valley. It is just a gorgeous drive. Back in Denver, I’d take them to the Denver Art Museum and maybe do some gallery hopping, stopping at Abend Gallery and Gallery 1261.

On my last visit to Denver, I discovered the Union Station Farmer’s Market, what a great farmers market. I had one of the best breakfast croissant sandwiches I’ve ever. I’d totally go back there. Then right across the way, I found Wynkoop Brewing Company, I loved their atmosphere and they make great beer. On my last day in town right before we went to the airport, we stopped in Cherry Creek for breakfast and went to the Urban Egg Cherry Creek North, I had the Chicken and Waffle, all I can say is yum.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Shoutout would definitely have to go to my amazing wife, Wendy Prior. She’s always stood beside me in my career and has had my back since the day we met.

Website: https://www.scottwprior.com/

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