William Wallace Scott Paintings

William Wallace Scott, known as Wally Scott, was an American abstract expressionist painter. Born on April 26, 1928, in San Francisco, California, Scott was a prominent figure in the post-World War II art scene. He is not to be confused with William Wallace, the Scottish knight, or Sir Walter Scott, the Scottish historical novelist, poet, and playwright.

Scott attended the California School of Fine Arts (now known as the San Francisco Art Institute) where he was influenced by teachers such as Clyfford Still and Mark Rothko, who were leading figures in the abstract expressionist movement. This artistic movement prioritized spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation, and Scott's work exhibited a strong sense of fluidity and an intense use of color.

Throughout his career, Scott evolved his style and technique. While he was initially influenced by abstract expressionism, his later works incorporated aspects of color field painting and lyrical abstraction. He was known for his innovative use of materials and his exploration of the properties of paint, often layering and scraping to create texture and depth.

Scott's work was widely exhibited during his lifetime, with solo shows at prestigious galleries and museums. He was also a respected teacher, sharing his knowledge and passion for art with generations of young artists.

Wally Scott passed away on June 26, 2011, in San Francisco. His legacy includes not only his contributions to the abstract expressionist movement but also his influence on the students he taught and the many artists who were inspired by his dedication to exploring the possibilities of paint.