Mason Pott, born and working in Chicago, is a fine artist whose practice centers on traditional oil painting with a contemporary sensibility. Known for his vivid explorations of florals and color theory, he approaches each work with a deeply considered, multidisciplinary process. Every painting begins with a carefully staged, high-quality photoshoot of a floral arrangement—an essential step in shaping the composition, lighting, and emotional tenor of the final piece. From there, Pott hand-cuts an aluminum panel to echo the contours of the bouquet, creating a sculptural support that blurs the line between painting and object.

This integration of form and subject transforms the still-life tradition, inviting viewers to engage the work as both image and physical presence. Pott’s practice reflects his belief in the interconnectedness of craft, intuition, and design. His meticulous attention to color relationships animates the surface of each painting, resulting in works that feel simultaneously timeless and distinctly of the present. He received his BFA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2015.

Image: Color Field [Purple & Crimson} with Kale & Grapes, 2025, Oil on custom cut aluminum panel, 26 x 38 in., 66 x 96.5 cm