Scott Jacobs

Scott Jacobs is an American painter known for his photorealistic work of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Born in New Jersey, Jacobs lives with his family in San Diego, California.

Jacob’s grew up in Cranford, New Jersey, and graduated from Westfield High School where he drew pen-and-ink illustrations for the school’s newspaper. Jacobs worked for an art gallery as a teen and then went on to sell art out of a van. At 19, he purchased an art gallery at below market value and was an art dealer for 25 years. In 1989, his wife, Sharon, gave him an easel, canvases and paints as a Christmas gift. Jacobs began painting and displaying his work in his own galleries under the assumed name Escotete. Based on client feedback, he concentrated on creating work in a photorealistic style. In 1993, a short time after painting two pieces "Fat Boy” and “Live to Ride," which featured Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Jacobs' work was seen by the motorcycle manufacturer. Harley-Davidson signed Jacobs as its first officially licensed artist in its fine art program, a position he continues to hold.

Jacobs’ work has also been licensed by Chevrolet, Ford, Mattel, Marilyn Monroe Estates and Elvis Presley Enterprises and others. His work has appeared on Franklin Mint Collector Plates, apparel and other home décor items. As of 2013, Jacobs had been the official artist for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 17 times. Other subjects of Jacobs' work include game room still life paintings, wine and spirits, women in masks, cars and florals. Jacobs’ original works sell for $40,000-$150,000.

In 2005, Jacobs signed with Park West Gallery, selling mostly work from his wine and spirits collection in the gallery's land and sea auctions.

Some well known collectors of Jacobs' work include Willie G. Davidson, Bill Davidson, Jeff Bleustein, Senator Ben Campbell, John Elway, Carl Malone, Don King, Dan Aykroyd, Robert Patrick, Steve Hendrickson, Arlen Ness, Joan Lunden, Kathy Ireland, Kim Alexis, Malcolm Forbes, Clarence Clemons, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, ZZ Top, Survivor and Loverboy.

Jacobs’ work is in the permanent collections at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Beverly Hills, Cal., the LACMA the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, Saint Louis Art Museum, Cobb-Murrieta Museum in Marietta, Ga., and the Milwaukee Museum.

Museum exhibits include “Speed Demons, Race Inspired Motorcycle Art at the Journey Museum” in Rapid City, S.D., Aug. 2005, and “Wind Blown: American Motorcycle Fine Art” at the Marietta/Cobb Museum in Marietta. Ga., May-Aug. 2005.

Jacobs married his wife Sharon in 1985. They have two daughters, Alexa and Olivia, who are involved in Jacobs’ art business.

Jacobs and his daughter Alexa in 2012 were featured on ABC’s reality show “Secret Millionaire,” where wealthy participants live for a week in poverty, and then provide financial assistance to nonprofit organizations that help the poor. Jacobs made a total of more than $150,000 in donations to three groups: International Youth Organization, GI Go Fund and Glass Roots.

Jacobs has published two books "The Motorcycle Art of Scott Jacobs" (2001), and "The Complete Work of Scott Jacobs" (2009).

In 1998, Jacobs received the Vargas Award for Lifetime Achievement in Fine Art. The award is named for painter Alberto Vargas.