Ann Elizabeth Scott
Ann Elizabeth Scott is a classically trained representational artist based in the Greater Seattle Area, known for her evocative paintings that blend fantasy, magic realism, and realism. Working primarily in oils and acrylics, her work often features mystical themes, including owls, swans, foxes, dragons, unicorns, and enigmatic women such as faeries, mermaids, and priestesses. Strong use of color and light is central to her creative approach, lending her paintings a dreamlike quality that has drawn comparisons to Botticelli, Frida Kahlo, Van Gogh, and the Pre-Raphaelites. Her landscapes often celebrate the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, reflecting a lifelong love of nature.
In addition to her personal art practice, Ann Elizabeth has extensive experience in gallery curation, sales, and community art education. She has shown her work in numerous solo and group exhibitions, including sell-out shows at Sammamish Commons Gallery and a solo exhibition at Blakely Hall in 2023. Her career spans over three decades, beginning with fine art sales and museum education and extending to contemporary online platforms like Etsy. She also works part-time as a color consultant at Benjamin Moore, where she combines her artistic expertise with interior design insight to help clients bring beauty and harmony to their homes.
Beyond her own work, Ann Elizabeth is deeply committed to supporting other women artists through exhibitions and mentorship. She serves as an office curator for a local RE-MAX office, showcasing rotating exhibitions of women’s artwork, and has been an active member of professional arts organizations such as the Evergreen Fine Arts Association. Her dedication to art education and community engagement reflects a belief in the transformative power of creativity and the importance of elevating voices in the arts.
• Technical Writing Certificate
• Art Institute of Seattle - A.A.A.
• IFA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my lifelong passion for the fine arts. I have always loved painting and creating beautiful images that others can enjoy for years to come. My father, Otto Scott, a renowned writer, also played a significant role in shaping my path. Through his dedication and work ethic, he taught me how to harness my talents, pursue my passions, and build a fulfilling career. Additionally, I have been fortunate to have an incredible teacher who guided me along my journey, helping me refine my skills and approach.
Ultimately, my success is the result of a combination of factors: nearly 30 years of dedication to my craft, the support of my community and family—including friends who helped with childcare and professional connections—continuous learning about techniques and materials, and the example set by my father as a creative professional. Each of these influences has shaped not only my abilities but also my commitment to creating work that resonates with others.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that I can achieve great success if I stay committed to my dreams and work hard. It reminded me that dedication, perseverance, and belief in myself are key to turning aspirations into reality.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the arts is that you can work hard and build the career you want. It’s important to seek out or create support systems and venues that recognize the many responsibilities women often balance. Maintain high standards for your work, understand your materials, and be prepared to clearly explain your process to collectors. Most importantly, elevate and support one another, advocate for fair exhibition arrangements, and create opportunities that allow women to thrive without unnecessary barriers.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is gaining visibility and ensuring my work reaches a wide audience. In the Seattle art scene, frequent gallery and nonprofit turnover, along with pay-to-show practices, can make exposure difficult. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities to expand through online sales channels like Etsy and Shopify, showcase work in alternative curated venues such as business offices, and participate in community-based programs that increase visibility for women artists.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life include hard work, creativity, and balance. I find inspiration in spending time with my husband hiking or by the water, which fuels my next painting. I also prioritize supporting and elevating other women, maintaining high standards for archival quality and craftsmanship, communicating clearly, and giving back through community volunteerism.