We had the good fortune of connecting with Scott Yeskel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scott, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
When I was much younger and in College, I didn’t rationalize risk. I just wanted to learn and experience the most I could. I loved living in San Francisco- the city helped me be consistently immersed in the arts. Ultimately, after transferring to an Art School, I kept very busy trying to get good at painting- it was a passion but I seldom realized any risk associated with studying art. Ultimatly, after 7 great years in San Francisco, I decided to move to LA. That felt risky. I had part time jobs- but I always continued to paint. The biggest risk in my life occurred in my early 30’s- I was newly married, soon to be a father and a home owner. I had to bet on myself – The world doesn’t need another so and so, it needs artists! I devote everyday of my life to my work- It’s the commitment and constant challenge that rewards the ultimate risk of doing this full time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an LA based Fine Art oil painter. I mostly paint landscapes of LA both in a realistic and abstract style. I am constantly inspired by the light and haze in this town. I use symbols in my work to describe life’s journey’s like old cars, RV’s, old homes and pools. The romantic reflection of life ‘standing still’ reflects a vision that embraces the past and comments on the present. Like my work, my journey in the art world have had many incarnations. I was lucky enough to get into great galleries in Laguna Beach, Philadelphia and San Francisco as a young artist. This led to a nice amount of press, sales, and museum shows. Their have been two distinct pivots in my career that have forced me to change the way I show and sell work. First, was the 2008 recession. Nobody was selling art .I started teaching during this time and am forever thankful for the challenge. I now teach up to 5 classes a week and love the opportunity to share my knowledge with my students. Painting is a tradition and should be passed down- I love being a part of that. My second pivot has been embracing self promotion in the age of social media. I was a bit slow to embrace it all- I always just felt that my galleries would take of it and that I just needed to paint. Would Picasso be using Instagram right now? Absolutely. So, now I make art and share the process like all creative people do these days. The results have been amazing- I’m so thankful for the opportunity to constantly engage with fiends and collectors.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
LA is huge and vast so it’s hard to pick just a spot or two but…I love going downtown ( in non Covid time), so the first stop would be the arts district- along the way we would explore the buildings, bars, and various food districts Downtown, most notably Little Tokyo and Grand Central Market. After a day or two of urban exploration, we would head to Malibu- paradise cove, a drive along PCH, spontaneous beach hoping- whatever and where ever the sun takes us.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family! My parents, my wife and my extended family have always been extremely supportive of my work and very encouraging. They always participate in the excitement this journey brings. They are there through the highs and lows, and have always believed in me.

Website: scottyeskel.com
Instagram: scott.yeskel.art
Other: scottyeskel.bigcartel.com

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