You probably have some pretty great memories of yourself or your kids finger painting. There's something wonderful about getting all covered in bright paint and indulging in the abandon of creating both art — and a mess!
But finger paints are for kids… right? Well, not if you ask artist Iris Scott!
She creates Impressionist-style oil paintings full of vibrant color that seem to shimmer with a light and motion all their own. They're finely crafted using thick layers of paint and call to mind the work of Vincent Van Gogh. But Scott creates her paintings a little less traditionally.
Like another artist who uses a thick painting technique called impasto, Scott totally forgoes brushes. In fact, she forgoes tools altogether except for the ones already attached to her — her hands!
Scott works to make each painting full of life, motion, and color. And we mean a lot of color. A single painting can feature 100 different shades!
Taking inspiration from just about anywhere, Scott is able to create a dazzling, rainbow-hued world where everything is full of unique beauty and wonder.
Check out some of her work below, and you might find yourself longing to dip your own fingers into some paint!
[H/T: Colossal]
Scott calls her art style "Instinctualism," and describes it as art that's easily understood and enjoyed, straightforward and free of the pretense that can sometimes make the art world seem inaccessible.
"Instinctualism is art that doesn't need explanation to enjoy," she explains, "for it will appeal to the innocent eyes of children as much as it will appear to art collectors."
Her bright, colorful paintings are full of motion and light. And she creates them using nothing but her fingers, which also leaves behind a lively texture.
Scott prefers using her hands instead of brushes or other tools because she find she can create more interesting effects.
"There's nothing between me and the paint," she says. "I feel all the tiny nuances. I can manipulate thick paint with my fingers in ways brushes never could."
But because she works with oils, gloves are a necessity!
She takes her inspiration from just about anywhere, including nature, people, and animals — she especially likes capturing dogs as they shake water out of their fur.
The motion of the water droplets and the light catching off them make for a dynamic image.
And while her images are typically rooted in the real world, her use of heightened colors gives them a dreamy quality.
"I want my paintings to be both an escape from our everyday life and an intensification of the recognizable," she says.
She's also not afraid to have a little fun. This image, aptly called Chicken of the Sea, is both beautiful and hilarious!
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, nature was a huge part of Scott's life, and so it's no surprise that it appears often in her work.
But she's also inspired by urban landscapes, as well. In her hands, even something as mundane as wet asphalt becomes shimmering and magical.
Scott wants her paintings to show people that there are many ways to create art, and no one way or style is "correct" — just do what feels right!
And to that end, she also teaches classes and workshops on finger painting techniques to get people back in touch with their inner creatives. You can even check out a free instructional video on her website.
And if you know someone who loved finger painting as a child, SHARE Scott's art with them to show how it can really grow up!
