Blog – Deborah Scott Art

A painting titled Talking Fish by Deborah Scott features a woman in a green knit hat and red dress holding a glass fishbowl with an animated, orange fish inside. She gazes at the fish with a slight smile, while the fish appears expressive, as if engaged in conversation. The background is a rich, painterly blue with warm undertones. Overlaid on the image is the quote: "The most powerful stories are the ones we don’t fully understand." — Deborah Scott in elegant white serif text. The composition suggests a moment of curiosity, ambiguity, and connection, reinforcing the theme of stories that resist easy interpretation.

The Stories That Refuse to Explain Themselves

The Stories That Refuse to Explain Themselves “The most powerful stories are the ones we don’t fully understand.” — Deborah Scott There’s something unsettling about a story that doesn’t resolve. It lingers, sticks to you, makes you turn it over in your mind long after you’ve walked away. That’s the space where my work lives—not […]

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A surreal oil painting depicting a figure suspended upside-down, evoking the tarot card The Hanged Man. A glowing halo encircles the figure’s head, reinforcing themes of transformation and perspective shift. The background is dark and textured, suggesting an abstract, almost dreamlike environment that enhances the painting’s sense of mystery and contemplation.

Beyond the Surface: The Art of Seeing Without Knowing

The Illusion of Knowing Every person is a contradiction—part known, part hidden, part unknowable. Every glance suggests more than it reveals. Every painting pulls you in but never gives everything away. That’s the space where my work exists—the tension between recognition and mystery, between what’s offered and what stays just out of reach. Familiar Faces,

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A bold, high-contrast visual featuring the quote, "The role of the artist is to not look away" by Akira Kurosawa, overlaid on an abstract color block background. The design reflects intensity and contemplation, mirroring the act of truly seeing in art. Deborah Scott Art branding is subtly incorporated to reinforce identity and authorship.

The Artist’s Job? Don’t Look Away.

Why Paying Attention is the Boldest Artistic Act Akira Kurosawa once said, “The role of the artist is to not look away.” If that doesn’t stop you in your tracks, you’re not paying attention. Art isn’t about playing nice. It’s not about making something palatable or universally liked. It’s about seeing what others ignore—the overlooked,

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A textured oil painting titled Lean on Me by Deborah Scott, featuring two artists seated closely together. One figure wears a dark jacket and cap, while the other leans in, wearing a white shirt and a fur-trimmed hat. Their expressions convey resilience and mutual support, reflecting themes of artistic struggle and companionship. The background is a rich, warm red, adding depth and emotion to the composition.

BFF: Modern Portraits – A Celebration of Connection at 33 Contemporary, Miami

The power of human connection takes center stage in BFF: Modern Portraits, a must-see exhibition at 33 Contemporary Gallery in Miami. Open from January through February 28, this show brings together contemporary artists who explore the essence of friendship, trust, and resilience through portraiture. The exhibition features an incredible collection of works by talented artists,

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The Collectives Exhibition at Axis Gallery in Pioneer Square, Seattle

The Collectives Exhibition at Axis Gallery in Pioneer Square, Seattle, brings together an inspiring collection of works by KOH Atelier Alumni. This group exhibition showcases a diverse range of artistic voices, each exploring themes of identity, emotion, and the human experience. For the past three months, my painting, “Edge of Uncertainty,” has been featured in

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Chelsea Hotel: A Painting That Listens to the Past

A Quiet Encounter with Time and Creativity Chelsea Hotel is not just a painting; it’s a moment of suspended awareness—a space where the past lingers, and the present listens. I have always been drawn to places that collect stories, where layers of history press into the walls. The Chelsea Hotel is one of those places,

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Featured on Artsy Shark: The Stories Behind My Paintings

I am thrilled to share some exciting news: I’ve been featured as a Featured Artist on Artsy Shark! This platform is known for spotlighting innovative and compelling artists, and it’s an honor to have my work recognized and shared with such a broad and engaged audience. In the feature, I had the opportunity to delve

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Deborah Scott's painting Lean on Me displayed alongside other works in the BFF: Modern Portraits exhibition at 33 Contemporary Gallery in Miami, FL. The gallery wall features a diverse collection of contemporary portraiture, celebrating themes of friendship and identity. The vibrant pieces, hung in a well-lit space, showcase a range of styles and artistic voices.

Lean on Me – Included in BFF’s Modern Portrait Exhibition with 33 Contemporary

I’m thrilled to announce that my painting, Lean on Me, is currently on display at the BFF: Modern Portraits exhibition, hosted by 33 Contemporary Gallery at the Palm Beach Art & Design Showroom in Lake Worth, Florida. 33 Contemporary Gallery This exhibition, running from January 9 to February 21, 2025, explores contemporary interpretations of portraiture,

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Deborah Scott, an artist, sits on the floor of her studio dressed in black, surrounded by her creative workspace. Paintbrushes lie scattered in the foreground. Paint splatters cover the floor, adding to the atmosphere of artistic activity. Scott's arm is outstretched in a gesture toward a partially visible painting on the right side, as if contemplating or discussing her work. The scene captures a moment of thoughtful engagement in the creative process.

Reflections on Why Art Making Matters

I’ve never been content simply going through the motions of life, seeking familiarity and comfort. For me, it’s essential to pause and take stock of my existence—my purpose, my relationships, and the core of what drives my passions and activities. This self-reflection feels especially urgent as I navigate the challenges and uncertainties of pursuing life

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A young woman runs away from the viewer in Deborah Scott's painting 'Scorched Earth - It's Getting Warmer.' The sky behind her glows orange, resembling flames, symbolizing the environmental devastation of global warming. Her fearful glance back toward the viewer highlights the anxiety young people feel about the future and the severe consequences of climate change. The fiery, chaotic background represents the urgent and escalating threat to the environment, capturing the deep concern for a planet in crisis.

Reflections on LA Wildfires and Scorched Earth

In the wake of the devastating wildfires that have swept through Los Angeles and other parts of the world, my painting Scorched Earth has taken on an even deeper resonance. The fires, leaving trails of destruction and displacing countless lives, serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of our environment and the pressing urgency

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