Painter Dorian Vincent Scotti shares a selection of expressive portraiture and bold landscapes. See more of his work by visiting his website.
“The Trunk” oil on canvas, 30″ x 40″
I started to paint before I could even speak. Confined to a playpen pushed against the wall in our small New York City apartment, I created the “poo painting” that was my parent’s funniest cocktail party story for years.
“Breakdown” oil on canvas, 30″ x 24″
I grew up in the artist’s community of Silvermine, Connecticut. The winding Silvermine River ran through the wooded landscape that was home to The Silvermine Artist’s Guild and Art College and The Silvermine Tavern—a Revolutionary War period stagecoach stop. My love of art and the natural world have been faithful companions since childhood.
“Marie” oil on canvas, 16″ x 20″
I’ve been drawing and painting my entire life. I withdrew from school at age 16 and enlisted in the US Army. After the service, I attended college, studying Fine Art before switching to Graphic Design. I’ve been a graphic designer for 40 years, producing projects in every area of the trade—from packaging to interactive exhibitions—with a focus on publications. I’ve worked almost exclusively for non-profit organizations.
“Celestial Celeste” oil on canvas, 32″ x 24″
I returned to art school full-time during the 2004-2005 school year where I studied drawing and painting. With my instructor’s encouragement, I moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico to follow my dream of being a painter.
“Alto Street, Santa Fe” oil on canvas, 24″ x 24″
After a year in Santa Fe, my work was accepted into a gallery. I did well for a few years, but as the economy got worse, the gallery representing me channeled all of their energy into their long-time artists, all of whom were contemporary abstract painters.
“Tiwa Tribe (Taos Pueblo) South House” oil on canvas, 40″ x 30″
I found myself slipping into poverty, eventually becoming homeless. To get back on my feet, I returned to the graphic design world and, after moving around a bit, have settled in Tubac, Arizona.
“Woman with a Pearl Earring” oil on canvas, 24″ x 30″
Tubac has an active fine art community and is a growing destination for collectors and art lovers. I am currently transitioning from graphic design work back into painting full time.
“Waiting” oil on canvas, 30″ x 24″
People often ask artists what inspires them. For me, it is the world around me. Our civilization moves at an ever-accelerating pace. Art offers the viewer the opportunity to slow down, to reconnect, to appreciate the beauty in the world around us. When I pick up my brush, I am a conduit to something divine. If a painting is successful, I know I have gotten out of the way of that conversation.
Artist Dorian Vincent Scotti invites you to follow him on Facebook and Fine Art America.