Biography

O’Neil Scott is a self-taught, Philadelphia-based artist whose work explores the depths of the human condition through powerful, expressive portraiture. Influenced early on by his grandfather and uncle—both of whom pursued creative careers—Scott began drawing in childhood, filling sketchbooks with images of real and imagined figures.

Although awarded a football scholarship to Syracuse University, which led him to pursue a degree in Information Technology and later an MBA from the University of Delaware, Scott never let go of his passion for art. His creative practice remained a constant—an outlet for expressing deeply personal reflections and social concerns.

Rooted in the traditions of the Old Masters and inspired by contemporary realists, Scott’s shift from acrylic to oil painting marked a turning point in his artistic journey. The flexibility and depth of oil paint have allowed him to more fully explore complex themes such as social justice, climate change, police brutality, and the Black Lives Matter movement. Each painting serves as a meditation—meant to inspire mindfulness, provoke thought, and foster empathy.