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FEBRUARY 2017
Murrieta Artist of the Month December 2016: Scott Ferguson
By Tory Wadlington There are people who find peace in their purpose via saving lives, being
a leader, or becoming an artist, but seldom do you find people who find peace doing all three. Fortunately, the city of Murrieta has an amazing firefighter and artist named Scott Ferguson. Scott has served in the fire service for over 34 years, the last 18-months as the Chief for the Murrieta Fire Department. What many don’t know is how accomplished Mr. Ferguson is as a painter.
He has painted a wide range of powerful images, from Muhammad Ali de- feating Sonny Liston to an iconic Joker painting that honors the late Heath Ledger.
When asked when he started painting and why he chose this art form,
Mr. Ferguson replies, “The truth is, I am not sure that my style of art has fully been developed. Like most elementary school kids, I drew dinosaurs, cars, and people with heads way too big for their bodies. Looking back at some of the art my mom saved, it did not seem that remarkable. I do remember being chastised for not telling the truth when one adult claimed that I traced a picture that I had drawn freehand. I guess that was the first time I realized that I had an eye for ‘negative space’.” He also shares that, “Over time, I learned to airbrush a bit and design
shirt logos, but it was not until a couple of years ago that I landed on what I am focusing on now. Later in life, I found myself a little stressed at work and needing a weekend distraction. A friend of mine suggested that I paint celebri- ties wearing fire turnout gear and helmets. After tinkering with the “how,” I landed on a blend of watercolor and pastels, finished with ink highlights. Jack
Nicholson, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Tom Selleck, and a dozen or so more have immerged since then. The likenesses of Mohamad Ali, Jimi Hen- drix, and Abraham Lincoln have also been done in a watercolor wash and scribbled ink style – there are fewer rules.” It typically takes him eight to ten hours for a portrait, depending on the
size and complexity. He recently finished an 8-foot by 12-foot acrylic painting depicting 9/11 that took him a couple of weeks. The Murrieta Arts Council and all who know him are thankful to have Scott Ferguson here in Murrieta. Note: The Murrieta Arts Council welcomes suggestions for Murrieta
Artist of the Month. Send them to
murrietaarts@gmail.com or via MAC’s website
murrietaarts.org
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