Profile: Scott McBee

Many thanks to James Andrew for introducing me to artist and designer Scott McBee. The wildly talented New York based artist will show his painstakingly precise and stunningly beautiful gouache paintings this week at the Chinese Porcelain Company. A celebration of the “Grand Dames” of the sea, Scott’s nautical series reflects a life long passion for ocean liners. His fervour and appreciation for ocean liners, those spanning from the early 1900’s to the early 1960’s, began after his parents took him to see the movie Poseidon Adventure and a tour of the original Queen Mary in Long Beach, California.

Executed in acrylic, Indian ink and gouache, the 3-foot by 9-foot stunning works of art pay particular attention to detail and historical accuracy. "Ocean Liners: The Golden Age" features such famed ocean liners as the Normandie, the Queen Elizabeth, the Monarch of Bermuda and the Bremen.


Scott received his BA in graphic design and illustration from San Diego State University. After attending university, he moved to NYC to launch a successful career in commercial illustration. Since 1991 he has worked with major advertising firms such as Ogilvy & Mather, BBDO, Gray, Jay Walter Thompson and currently with Young and Rubicam. In addition to his commercial work as a storyboard artist and art director, he is also a published children’s book illustrator and an accomplished painter.

Scott’s work is currently showing in the windows of the landmark NYC Saks Fifth Avenue and will be showing at the Chinese Porcelain Company from November 14 - 21, 2008. The opening reception is Thursday, November 13 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at the Chinese Porcelain Company.


Several prominent collectors in the US and abroad have begun amassing Scott’s work. Unfortunately I will miss the showing, but I am looking forward to meeting Scott in a few weeks. If you get the chance, you should try to make it to the Chinese Porcelain Company this week.

Chinese Porcelain Company:
475 Park Avenue at 58th Street
Manhattan, New York
(click on the images above to enlarge)

Which artist, historical or contemporary, do you most admire?
Klimt, Rodin, Da Vinci and Lempicka just to name a few.

What inspires your art and ideas?
Nearly everything I that I see. It can range from architecture, history, fashion, nature, the arts and my mood.

What is the one thing in life you can't live without?
The ability and freedom to express myself.

What is your greatest accomplishment to date?
Making the move to NYC and flourishing.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Having everyday to work or create something amazing in my studio by the beach. By late afternoon I take a break for some sun and a romp in the ocean, have some lunch and go back to creating. Traveling the world and spending more time with my loved ones.

What is your most prized possession?
This wonderful and healthy body I inhabit.

What books are on your bedside table?
The Power of Now, Harmonic Wealth, Alexander the Great, The story of San Michelle.

Who would you most like to meet and how would you like to spend the day?
Madonna or Angelina Jolie. Talking, eating great food by the beach, getting to know each other and riding jet skis!

Profile by Ronda Carman