Scott Gellatly (April 2, 4:30 p.m, Annett Recital Hall) – A celebrated painter and former product manager for Gamblin Artists Colors, Gellatly will present a public lecture sharing insights on color theory and his evolving artistic journey. Reception with the artist to follow.  

What: Public Presentation by Scott Gellatly
When: Wednesday, April 2, 4:30–5:30 p.m. (Reception to follow)
Where: Annett Recital Hall, Lowe Center for the Arts
Admission: Free and open to the public.
More Info: Contact the VPA Office at 608.785.8446

Complete schedule:
*Public welcome to observe workshops

Wednesday, April 2  8:50-11:55 a.m. Color Theory workshop* with students in Jennifer Williams’ Color Theory and Drawing/Painting media courses, room 204 Lowe Center for the Arts

1:10-3:15 p.m. Color and Drawing Media workshop* in Jennifer Williams’ Drawing Foundations course and others with registration room 120 Lowe Center for the Arts

4:30-5:30 p.m. Scott Gellatly public lecture, Annett Recital Hall, Lowe Center for the Arts  (reception following)

Thursday, April 3     
9:25 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Color for painters workshop* with students in Jennifer Williams’ combined level painting courses, room 204 Lowe Center for the Arts

2:30-5 p.m. Small group critiques with students, room 204 Lowe Center for the Arts. Please contact Jennifer Williams (jwilliams@uwlax.edu) sign up. Students are welcome to observe the critique or participate more directly to receive feedback from Scott about their work.

La Crosse, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is proud to welcome distinguished landscape painter and color theorist Scott Gellatly as the third and final featured guest artist for ArtsFest Advance! this April. Known for his dynamic use of color and mastery of plein air painting, Gellatly will engage with students and the public through workshops, critiques, and a highly anticipated public lecture.

Gellatly’s visit will take place on Wednesday, April 2, and Thursday, April 3, with a public presentation on April 2 from 4:30–5:30 p.m. in Annett Recital Hall, Lowe Center for the Arts, followed by a reception. Both events are free and open to the public.

From an early age, Gellatly was drawn to artistic expression, inspired by a family that nurtured his creativity. His artistic development was shaped by museum visits, classical influences such as Michelangelo, and later, the bold energy of abstraction and pop art. While studying at the University of Oregon, Gellatly refined his skills and discovered his deep connection to landscape painting.

“Landscape painting was a natural connection to my love of travel and as a way to document my experience of new places,” says Gellatly. “Plein air painting grabbed hold of me shortly after college. I learned a lot from painting directly from nature throughout the year, in different weather conditions and locations—responding to the landscape in real time.”

A devoted student of color, Gellatly’s artistic approach was further honed through his tenure as Product Manager at Gamblin Artists Colors, where he worked extensively with pigments, color relationships, and material science. “That experience helped me think about color in new ways. I don’t just use color to describe a scene—color is the subject,” he explains. “The landscape becomes the vehicle to explore and utilize color expressively.”

Gellatly’s work balances technical mastery with conceptual depth, drawing inspiration from artists like J.M.W. Turner, whose ability to capture atmosphere and emotion has deeply influenced his own paintings.

Like many artists, Gellatly experiences creative blocks but embraces them as part of the artistic process. He encourages emerging artists to stay engaged and make time for creative play. “Painters are never not painting,” he says. “We’re always observing light, color, and composition, even when we’re not physically working. Sketchbooks, small studies, or just being present with your work—these all keep the creative momentum going.”

During his residency at ArtsFest Advance!, Gellatly will lead masterclasses and student critiques, offering an invaluable opportunity for participants to gain direct insight into his artistic philosophy and techniques. His visit underscores the festival’s mission to bring world-class artists to the La Crosse community, fostering an inspiring exchange of ideas and artistic growth.

Gellatly encourages students and attendees to approach his sessions with curiosity: “Ask questions, challenge ideas, and experiment. That’s where real growth happens.”

Don’t miss the chance to experience the transformative power of color and landscape through the eyes of Scott Gellatly. His vibrant works and engaging discussions are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

For more information about ArtsFest Advance! and other scheduled events, please visit uwlax.edu/vpa.