“Creativity takes Courage” — Henry Matisse

Scot Saunders Bio

My art education is a combination of private instruction, mentors and academics. While my academic training includes the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, I feel my real training has come through my mentors, which include Paul Benavides, Seco, Jack Ragland, and Milford Zorn.

As a professional artist, I have won numerous awards, the most notable is the Artists Fellowship Award (now The Ventura Mayors Award), winning first place while competing against artists throughout Ventura County. In addition, much of my work is displayed in private collections and galleries.

My relationship with God plays a major role in the way I see and interpret the world around me and believe there is more to this life than what we immediately see in front of us. No matter what I create, my goal is to connect with my subjects on a deeply spiritual level as an observer and interpret what I see and experience. I believe God is always involved in the daily events of our lives, whether He whispers direction, wisdom and comfort in difficult situations, or reveals His visions and dreams for our future.

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Life Coach, New Life Coaching Inc.

• BA Theology

• BA Business Management

EDUCATION

• Life Pacific University, San Dimas, California

• Northwestern University, Social Media Marketing

• Academy of Art University, San Francisco, California

• Watt’s Atelier, Encinitas, California

INSTRUCTION

• Wagner Leadership Institute, Pasadena, California

• Harvest Rock Church, Pasadena, California

• Refuge Community Church, Rancho Cucamonga

• The Movement Church, San Marcos, San Diego, California

• Studio Ace, Oceanside, California

• Santa Clara High School, Oxnard, California

ART CURRICULUM

• University of California, Accredited

  “I Create So Others May Encounter”

Artist Statement

I refer to myself as a lifestyle artist, or documentary artist. By lifestyle I mean that I document the Journey of the Human Spirit. I have a passion for people, value the lives they lead and potential for greatness they have. As such, I create art that both documents their unique footprint on this earth but also inspires them towards the greatness they may not see in themselves. My work reflects the seen and unseen of the human spirit and the here but not yet of their purpose and destiny.

My artwork is representational as I work in oil, acrylic, charcoal, carbon, pastel and graphite. While the theme remains the same, documenting the journey of the human spirit, I describe this genre through various expressions, which include Lifestyle Portraiture, Sacred Art and Business/Corporate art I call InVision.

As an artist, teacher and creative coach I am committed to these three values: Creating to Reveal, Teaching to Grow, and Inspiring to Dream. Creating to Reveal defines what I do as a studio artist as I create so others may Encounter. Teaching to Grow is expressed within the classroom as an art teacher offering classes in classical art training and Sacred Art. Finally, Inspiring to Dream represents my Personal and Creative Coaching service in addition to my public speaking platform.

My deepest desire is that people would see something of themselves in my work. I don’t create for people to admire a pretty drawing or a technically crafted painting. I create with the hope that people will experience an encounter with who they are, what their purpose is for being here, and the unique footprint they not only walk in, but also leave behind. I create with the hope that the hearts of people will connect on a deeper level than just aesthetics, that they have a deep emotional and spiritual need met or a dream realized.

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”