Scott Hiestand

Scott Hiestand is an American wildlife artist and plein air painter based in Ormond Beach, Florida, where he has lived since 1999. Born in Burbank, California, and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, he earned a four-year degree in commercial art from the Hussian School of Art in Philadelphia. He began his professional career at Hallmark Cards, creating floral arrangements and wildlife-themed greeting cards, before spending approximately 35 years as a graphic artist for several newspapers, including 15 years at the , where he illustrated outdoor features. Hiestand's artwork has received national recognition, including winning the State of Indiana upland bird art contest with an acrylic painting of a wild turkey, selection for the Paint America National Gallery tour, and designing Florida's bass-fishing automobile license plate. He has also received recognition in 's Salon Contest. Working primarily in acrylics, Hiestand specializes in plein air painting, capturing Florida's natural landscapes through careful observation of changing light, atmosphere, and outdoor wildlife. His work is held in private and corporate collections, including the Daytona Beach Museum of Arts and Sciences and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. In addition to painting, he creates bird and fish sculptures from wire and other materials. An avid falconer, Hiestand draws inspiration from his close connection to nature and the outdoors.