Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Chesnutt.
Hi Scott, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started painting when the world shut down in 2020. I graduated college with a marketing degree and art was never part of the long-term plan. At the time it was just something that kept me sane. Over time it stopped being just something I do and became a large part of who I am. I paint every day now after my day job and most weekends. It is therapeutic and a great way for me to practice discipline. As the years went on my skills and my confidence grew. The persistence I have worked to maintain has opened doors I never imagined. I have painted skateparks, schools, live-painted weddings, and stayed at Steve-O’s house to paint two custom murals for him. I am doing all of this while still clocking into a warehouse job every day. One job pays the bills, the other is me trying to build a life I actually want. Painting has gotten me through heavy seasons, and it has also given me some of the best moments I have ever had.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road hasn’t been smooth, but I feel blessed by the opportunities I’ve been given since I started painting. My biggest struggle is comparison whether it be comparing my work to others, comparing my progress to theirs, comparing their opportunities to mine, the list could go on. However, it pushes me to grow as a person and reminds me one of the reasons why I paint in the first place. I paint to get through the struggles of life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Any opportunity there is to smear paint in a creative way, I want to be first in line for consideration. I love doing regular canvas paintings, murals, live painting weddings, etc. I try to take any chance to paint whatever, wherever. One project I’m very proud of is being able to paint for Steve-O from Jackass. I tweeted out to him asking if he wanted a mural (not expecting a response) and he messaged me the following day offering to fly me out to his house. I couldn’t believe it. I had a week to get the mural done, and I accomplished it.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I like Raleigh’s growing art scene & opportunities for creative people make moves in their fields. Whether it be shows for bands or markets for artists, there is something you can get involved in to excel at your craft. My only complaint is that it isn’t bigger.
Pricing:
- 16×20 Canvas Painting (~$450-$650 (Acrylic/Oil options, pricing based on complexity of design))
- Live Wedding Painting ($35/hour (Average 10 hours at weddings) + Canvas size)
- Murals – based on wall size, complexity of design, time frame.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://scottchesnuttart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottchesnuttart?igsh=MXNidHRuaWx3dzcwNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@scottchesnutt?si=dkXgleIWYC5AWAyr
