Scott Deters is a painter from Teutopolis, Illinois. He mainly uses acrylic paint on pre-stretched canvases. Scott also has Cerebral Palsy, and he uses his work to show that people with disabilities can achieve success.

How long have you been an artist or when did you start? Was there a single incident or moment when you realized this was your passion and, if so, can you tell us about it?

I have enjoyed painting since I was small. I have two sisters who are very artistic. They have always included me in their artwork. I also have Cerebral Palsy, and we are continuously looking for new and innovative ways for me to paint and, more importantly, to express myself. After high school, I started working at the Day Training program at Community Support Services. They have a wonderful art program, and their paintings are auctioned off to support the program. My sister was the first teacher of that art program. After having some success there, we found a new technique that helped me better express myself. I use a laser strapped to the side of my head to direct an assistant to help me. I decide everything about the painting. It has helped me to show my feeling through my artwork.

I have given speeches and demonstrations throughout Illinois to promote my paintings. Doing this also demonstrates that people with disabilities are capable of great things. One of the first speeches I gave was in front of about 400 kids. That's when I realized that I was a voice for people with disabilities while also showcasing my paintings. It was a very powerful moment.

Illinois has been factored into your work in the past. What does being able to live and work in Illinois mean to you?

There is a great art community in our area that promotes all kinds of creativity. I've had the opportunity to travel throughout Illinois, show my paintings and demonstrate my abilities. I have a large group of supporters in Illinois.

What opportunities does Illinois present for local artists?

There is a yearly artisan fair and art auction, numerous places to display my art and many craft shows that promote artists in our area. We've made many connections across the state and received a lot of positive feedback. It is our goal to help people see that disabilities do not need to stand in the way of success. I have a great set of family and friends who continue to support my artwork.

What do you like about Illinois?

I like the fact that our state supports artists of all abilities. Many of the schools have art teachers in every grade from kindergarten to high school. All of the schools we've spoken to have been very supportive of all types of art.

What is your favorite medium to work in?

I work on pre-stretched canvases and use acrylics for my artwork. Acrylics dry faster, and I get the best results from them. I have also painted on wood.

Where can people view or purchase your work?

I can be reached with any questions or interest in my paintings on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/scottsabstractoriginals or at deters.cindy@yahoo.com.

What artist inspires you and why?

My sister is an art teacher and is a huge support to me. She is a wonderful artist and has given me so many opportunities. She encourages me to try new techniques and is a great supporter.

Tim Lefens is an artist based in New Jersey who got us started with the technique that I use now. He was a great help with suggestions and encouragement when we were starting out. He is a fantastic artist, and his art has been shown in galleries in New York and New Jersey.

In honor of International Children's Book Day, here are some notable children’s books authors and illustrators from Illinois:

Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Chicago author Amy Krouse Rosenthal was an author of adult and children's books, a short film maker and a radio show host. She published more than 30 children's books and is the only author to have three children’s books to make the Best Children's Books for Family Literacy list in the same year. She had several children’s books on the New York Times bestseller list including "I Wish You More," "Uni the Unicorn," "Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons" and "Duck! Rabbit!," which was read during the 2010 White House Easter Egg Roll. 

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How long have you been an artist or when did you start? Was there a single incident or moment when you realized this was your passion and if so, tell us about it?

I have been an artist for a long time. It’s always been personal to me. I didn’t start selling my work until last year. When I started to paint, the response I got was positive, and people started asking, “How much?” That was a question I never asked myself. But I have never created anything with profit in mind. The passion for me is the freedom I have when I create. It’s always been about freedom.

Illinois has been factored into your work in the past. What does being able to live and work in Illinois mean to you?

Chicago. Walking its streets offers poetry. I was amazed my first time in that city. I am from Rockford, which has a good art scene, but Chicago is a living canvas. The people, colors, language and movement imprinted on me. The state has history. It’s produced leaders and musical geniuses. I gather pieces of what I learn and try to apply it to my work.

What opportunities does Illinois present to local Illinois artists?

The opportunity for an artist is only limited by what can be produced I think. The more I learn and better my skills, not just in paint but in other aspects of art, more opportunities become available. I was not expecting the doors to open the way they did, but I am very grateful.

What do you like about Illinois?

Illinois will always be home, although I could probably do without so much snow. If we could somehow blow some of it towards Wisconsin, that’d be great.

What is your favorite medium to work in?

I’m not sure yet. I have yet to crave something. So far, acrylic painting is what I prefer.

Where can people view or purchase your work?

I have a website at www.mcneelyshaumar.com, or you can always follow me on Facebook.

What artist inspires you and why?

My father is an artist. He has always made me challenge myself. He can do it all too, which makes me want to see how far I can take myself.

How long have you been an artist or when did you start? Was there a single incident or moment when you realized this was your passion and if so, tell us about it.

I built my first piece of furniture when I was 10, but it wasn’t until 2013 that I opened my woodworking business. There isn’t one single moment that made me realize woodworking was my passion, but as I was building all of the furniture for my first apartment, I realized building and creating were something I’d always wanted to do. 

Illinois has factored into your work in the past. What does being able to live and work in Illinois mean to you?

One thing about building furniture in Illinois is that there is a lot of great hardwood to choose from. Many woodworkers choose to import exotic wood, but Illinois has so many beautiful options that I like to use what’s in my own backyard (not literally). I’ve been able to work with several great local woodcutters to supply the resources I use for my pieces. 

What opportunities does Illinois present to local artists?

The maker’s movement has really taken off in the past few years it seems, and there are lots of great artisan markets that give artists a chance to get their work out there. It seems people in Illinois have really bought into the concept of buying local and supporting the economy right here at home. 

What do you like about Illinois?

Illinois has always been home to me. I grew up on a pig farm in rural Illinois, spent my undergrad years at the University of Illinois, and am now enjoying life in the capital. No matter where I’ve gone, I’ve always felt at home. 

What is your favorite medium to work in? 

I mostly build with hard wood. I’d have to say walnut is my favorite species—I love the color and grain. I try to avoid painting or staining wood when I can, because to me, clear finished natural wood is so beautiful on its own. And, I love collaborating with other artists to incorporate steel into some of my bigger pieces. 

Where can people view or purchase your work?

People can check out my work on Prattwoodworks.com. There are smaller, ready-made items like cutting boards and butcher blocks available for immediate purchase, and my custom furniture portfolio is also available. If they’re coming through Springfield, they can feel free to stop by the shop located at 1315 Ottis St. Springfield, IL, 62703.

What artist inspires you and why?

I love the ability to follow the woodworking community through social platforms like Instagram. It’s amazing to see the different designs people come up with. Greg Klassen is one of my favorites. I love the look of his live slabs and how he combines wood, steel, and glass. 

Charlie Martin is an artist from Quincy. He creates a variety of pieces by mixing mediums, including ink drawings and paintings. Martin is also a children’s book illustrator.

How long have you been an artist or when did you start? Was there a single incident or moment when you realized this was your passion and if so, tell us about it?

I’ve been drawing since I was a little boy, and my family considered me to be an artist even then. My first job as an artist, however, was when I was 21 years old. I was a graphic designer. Since that time, my craft has changed and continues to evolve. I began painting in my forties. I believe that you become an artist when you decide to be one.

I can’t define or articulate a single moment when I realized the deep relationship I had with art. I know art to be an essential part of my existence just because I always find my way back to art and the magic of creating something new. I have many interests, but it always cycles back to art.

Illinois has been factored into your work in the past. What does being able to live and work in Illinois mean to you?

Illinois has many flourishing art programs and communities. This state has given me some incredible opportunities to grow my craft.

What opportunities does Illinois present to local Illinois artists?

Each community in Illinois is different. Opportunities are available for all types of artists throughout the state. There is so much art married into our history.

What do you like about Illinois?

I really appreciate its history. The stories of courage are impressive. Midwesterners are a hearty lot for sure. 

What is your favorite medium to work in?

I like mixed medium, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would be pen and ink.

Where can people view or purchase your work?

Artists and collectors may view my work on Facebook (Charlie Martian) or on Instagram (sketchbot).

What artist inspires you and why?

Tony DiTerlizzi inspired me to delve into illustration. He is part of the reason I decided to start illustrating children’s books. I also am inspired by Norman Rockwell and Alphonse Mucha.