Don Scott is a commissioned fine art oil painter and pencil/charcoal and pastel portrait artist based in California’s Sierra Nevada. His artwork expressively depicts people or animals. He especially enjoys drawing horses and children and seeks to convey all of his subjects with honesty and sensitivity while capturing that key characteristic that defines them. 

Don was self-taught until college. Inspired by his grandfather, who he used to watch paint landscapes in the garage. He spent much of his free time as a child sketching from nature and reading through art books. Having pursued a fine art and graphic design at Sacramento State University, Don graduated with a double major in 1990. Upon graduation Don worked full time as a graphic designer and drew portraits on the side. In 1998, he left the graphic design field to become a full time teacher and fell in love with teaching while continuing his passion for art part time. Don’s desire is to transition to art full time upon retirement. 

Don’s work utilizes traditional techniques to showcase his own unique style. With a veterinarian step-father, pastor father, and special education teacher for a mother, Don’s motivation comes from his eclectic youth. He grew up surrounded by animals (even a pet deer,) nature, and a savory variety of people. As a result, Don developed an appreciation for the unique details that color life. Don’s goal is to capture the underlying details that define a subject’s personality beyond what is seen at the surface. 

Many of his clients comment about how real and dynamic his drawings look, as though they are really alive. His work is often described as capturing the essence and soul of his subject.