I had the privilege of getting to watch this artist in action at The Southern C recently.

Her use of color exudes such joy that I was mesmerized!

Enjoy getting to know this talented southern artist

Eleanor Scott Davis

Raleigh, North Carolina

 

Photography by Erin Comerford Miller

 

What is your training? 

I studies English and Studio Art at Wake Forest University. I went on to earn an MFA in Creative Writing with a Concentration in Poetry. No one liked my poems (not even my own parents). I’m thankful my paintings are more well received!  

 

What inspires you and your designs?

My work is color-driven. Abstract art is often perceived as meaningless but I believe that color, like scent, is a direct link to memory. Even if the image is abstracted, the combination of sky blue, chartreuse and yellow ochre will always transport me to the coast in September. I’m inspired by color combinations found in everyday life that have the ability to conjure memory and transport the viewer to another place or time, 

What is your favorite piece? 

My recent Monochromatic Series is one of my favorite bodies of work to date. For each painting, I focused on one of the four colors I most often use in my work — Vermillion, chartreuse, yellow ochre and violet.

How has the your area influenced your work?

North Carolina is a state that is lucky enough to experience (for the most part) all four seasons. And the transitions from season to season are my favorite part. Each year in Raleigh, the Tulip Magnolia trees (I think that’s what they are) bloom early and create the most beautiful contrast of purply-pink against a backdrop of drab brown. If they were competing with others in bloom, it would be more difficult to appreciate their fantastic color. I translate this concept to my paintings, and never underestimate the importance of the less-beautiful colors. 

What is your favorite restaurant in Raleigh?

There is so much good food in this town!

You can’t get a bad meal at Stanbury

or Royale. 

What is your favorite cocktail?

Just discovered the Paloma. Delicious. 

How do you balance personal life and work?

There is a television that plays Sesame Street in my studio, and a box of graham crackers beside the easel.

Photography by Erin Comerford Miller

Most days, we are in survival mode. 

 Dream trip?

Florence, Italy — I’d go straight from the airport to Caffe Duomo and order the lasagna

Dream commission?

My dream commission is anyone who gives me the size and says, “Do what you feel.”  

 Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

A tiny orchid or a bag of nice coffee

 

Who is your style icon?

Jackie Kennedy in the 70’s

Your favorite up and coming artist?

Ashley Sellner (based in Charlotte!) has been doing these incredible oil paintings of room interiors. I want a whole wall of them. 

What is your most treasured possession?

My engagement ring, of course. 

What are you reading?

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

 

What are you listening to?

James Taylor’s Greatest Hits. 

 

What are your favorite blogs / publications?

I’m a magazine lover: House Beautiful,

Southern Living,

Better Homes and Gardens and

Vanity Fair…

Luckily, my mother is the kind of person who has never thrown anything away so she has back issues of all the best covering every surface.

Enjoy a look at the beautiful work of Eleanor Scott Davis. Be sure to follow her on Instagram too. 

 

 

Photography by Erin Comerford Miller

 

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