West Bellevue resident Deborah Scott has carved out her place in the art world with a distinctive blend of portraiture and mixed media infused with subtle hints of pop culture references that show themselves in playful and surprising ways. At the heart of Deborah Scott’s artistic endeavors is a profound fascination with the human condition. Her portraiture goes beyond mere representation, diving into the essence of individual identity and the stories etched in every facial nuance and expression. This deep-seated interest in capturing the soul of her subjects can be traced back to her keen observation of people and her desire to understand the diverse tapestry of human emotions.

When the art demands it for the story being told, Scott weaves in elements of popular culture, bridging the gap between the personal and the collective. Often these cultural references help tell the story on the canvas, while also making her work accessible and relatable to a wider audience. This inclusion demonstrates her understanding of the role of art in reflecting and shaping societal values and trends and bringing a smile to those enjoying the piece as well. As recently as last year, she attended a month-long artist retreat in the small town of Collemacchia, Italy. She connected strongly to the abandoned villas in this little enclave, painting the furnishings and trinkets left behind during the waves of migration of the previous century. These haunting pieces speak of community, loneliness, abandonment, grief… and Scott captured it all in these works. The new show is called Loss and Renewal and will be shown in Seattle soon.  

Deborah enjoys painting commissioned portraits and her own works leveraging innovative techniques that set her apart from many portraitists. Distressing the canvas, a unique cornerstone of Scott’s art, allows her to explore the multifaceted layers of human experiences. She uses imperfections in the starting platform to tease out the story through the scratches and a textured base. By integrating this nuance, she not only challenges the traditional boundaries of art but also creates a more immersive narrative through distress, encouraging the eye to seek the differences, color changes, and other imperfections as part of the whole. What better visual analogy for life and all its perfect imperfection?

Living in Yarrow Point, Deborah Scott is surrounded by the serene beauty of nature and a supportive community, which significantly influences her artistic perspective. She and her now late husband have been vital residents here on the Eastside for 25 years, settling in Yarrow Point in 2004 and raising 2 kids. Her husband, Michael McGinn, was a beloved Bellevue lacrosse coach for over a decade. He enjoyed fostering a sense of community and love of the game in middle school boys just learning their way around the pitch. Deborah, in her previous career, contributed significantly to the Amazon brand development as Senior Director of Global Brand Marketing. She currently  volunteers weekly for Gage Academy of Art. Her kids, McKinley and Riley McGinn, went through the Bellevue School District and on to Gonzaga University and the Rochester Institute of Technology. Riley is currently living at home and working here in Bellevue and McKinley is working as a Project Manager for Pitchbook in Seattle.  

Deborah Scott’s art is a vibrant intersection of personal insights, cultural commentary, and artistic innovation. Her motivation stems from a deep desire to explore and express the nuanced complexities of human nature, personality, and relationships. Through her unique blend of portraiture, mixed media, and pop art, Scott invites viewers into a world where every stroke and color tells a story, echoing the rich tapestry of human life. As she continues to share her vision across the globe, her work not only captivates but also inspires a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling through visual expressions. 
 
Deborah loves to connect with her community through her art. She is currently accepting commissions for both traditional portraiture and her more nuanced archetypal pop art portraits. You can contact her directly at deborah@deborahscottart.com.

For a current list of all her available completed works, visit www.DeborahScottArt.com.