About

Painting, digital art, and photography all swirled together into a dreamlike work of fine art.

scott west photographer at work

My Artistic Approach
It begins as an adventure. I start with something raw and wild, considering the possibilities. What wonder is waiting to be revealed? Like a sculptor who envisions the masterpiece locked inside a block of stone, my goal is to unlock the peaceful beauty of our world. My subjects are thoroughly studied, then recorded as a harmonious photograph; all the while perceiving the scene as a work of art from the very start. Using thoughtfully selected digital techniques, the final piece is my dreamlike impression of that initial moment of discovery. Our minds see a scene for what it is, I strive to see it for what it can become.

A Little About My Process
My inspiration for creative work usually begins by traveling to a place I have never been. The anticipation of what will be seen, what is seen, and what is realized all culminate in a final work of art. A photograph allows me to capture my feelings of that first encounter. Subsequent photographs are fantasias on that opening instant – changes to light and perspective shape the overall design of the picture. The next phase of my creative progression is aided by computer software to form an artistic representation of not only the subject but relay the emotions of the adventure. Lastly, a printed representation usually on canvas or paper brings the artwork to life.

My aspiration as an artist is to blur the lines of photography, digital art, and painting into a style that embodies a dreamlike reality. “You know that place between sleep and awake, that place where you still remember dreaming?” –Tinkerbell. That’s where I will be creating.

My Background
I have loved art since my childhood. I enjoyed any art class and creating something my mother would be happy to receive. Thank you, mom, for the encouragement! That love of art developed into a need to photograph everything – my friends, things, and nature. Years later, I began to appreciate fine art, especially impressionism. Unfortunately, I never learned to paint beyond elementary school watercolors. But skills in current design software applications allowed me to morph my love of photography into digital painting. What you see in my body of work is how I see the world – as one big work of art by our master creator.

I am self-taught in artistic design and photography. I’ve had the opportunity to be the marketing and creative directors for several organizations. My college degree is in computer science which helps me to stay current with the latest in digital trends. Besides hiking, I love music and play an array of instruments in different local groups. My music background influences my artistic style as well. I’m currently residing in the incredibly beautiful southwest corner of Colorado with my wife and with family nearby.