Scott Michael Ackerman is a self-taught artist from upstate New York. Although not one for labels (and named one of the best artists in the Hudson Valley by Chronogram), Ackerman is known as an ‘Outsider’ artist because his unconventional, prolific, and primitive approach to painting rejects the boundaries of traditional culture.

Rather than start with a blank canvas, Ackerman prefers to use ‘found objects’ with rough character such as old wood, windows, and doors to help inspire him. Before starting a new piece, he doesn’t know what he will be painting. He allows the painting to grow as he adds color and develops a narrative of what’s going on inside of his head. Mistakes are made and celebrated, as they only add more to what is to come.

You may have seen his work on the poster for the 2013 Woodstock Film Festival – now come see and buy his extraordinary work in person on the walls of the Red Owl.

@lovescott3