Kentucky Air Guardsman has a passion for art

Published May 7, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Vicky Spesard
123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Using a No. 2 pencil to write reports, fill in calendars and take the minutes at a meeting are all in a day's work for Staff Sgt. James Scott, an administrative assistant with the 123rd Airlift Wing here.

But when he's not on duty, the Kentucky Air National Guardsman uses his pencil to design and sketch superheroes and villains, masked men and caped crusaders, all of whom were on display at the second annual Black Angels Art Exhibit held in Louisville Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

The event, which featured eight local artists, was the first gallery showing for Scott, who was a little apprehensive to have his art work on display and available for purchase.

"Most of my sketches are in black and white, and I was surrounded by artists whose work was mostly in color," Scott said. "It was a humbling and motivating experience to be part of the exhibit, and it felt good to be in a space with people who like to do what I like to do. It's very inspiring to be with other artists who appreciate my work."

A naturally gifted artist with no formal training, Scott is currently developing a comic book concept.

"I have a complete universe of superheroes that I have created on my own," said Scott, who prefers to draw his characters with pencil and paper instead of using computer animation. "I am working now with publishers and social media to get the word out about my work."

Inspiration for his style came from the works of artists such as Jim Lee, a long-time illustrator for Marvel Comics and DC Comics, and Joe Madureira, also of Marvel Comics fame.

"Both artists have completely different styles," Scott explained as he flipped through pictures of their work that he keeps on his phone. "Lee has a very photo-realistic style while Madureira has a cartoonish style. As I have followed these artists, I've watched their techniques and, without realizing it, have incorporated their styles into my own.

"As I look at my art work, I can see Lee's influence in the facial structures or Madureira's influence in my characters poses. It happens kind of naturally."

According to Scott, it was his mom who first influenced him to become an artist.

"Drawing is freedom to me," he said as he took his pencil from his uniform pocket and started sketching. "It helps me focus and organize my thoughts. My mom recognized that and encouraged me to keep going with my art, to try something new. She bought me paper, pencils and my first comic book. She was a big influence to me."