Scott Mills

Asheville, N.C.-based pop surrealist Scott Mills depicts nature at its most unnatural.

The Detroit-born, self-taught painter is synonymous with his multi-hued menagerie of otherworldly creatures — e.g., birds with antlers, moss-covered bears and fuzzy pink monsters. “My work grew out of a love of nature, combined with my interests in psychology and philosophy, toys and cartoons, juxtaposed colors and ideas, and spirituality,” he explains. “I usually do not plan my paintings out, and enjoy the surprise and challenge of letting the work slowly reveal itself.” Scott made his Vertical Gallery debut in 2026 as one of 13 artists featured in our 13-Year Anniversary Group Show.