Meet Scott J. Manley: The Kansas City Artist Bringing Soul, Story, and Custom Beauty to Lemondrop Home Designs
At Lemondrop Home, we believe the most memorable interiors are the ones that tell a story. Furniture sets the stage, lighting adds emotion, textiles bring warmth — but artwork is what truly gives a home its voice. Whether we’re designing a full home in Leawood or staging a luxury listing in Prairie Village, original art is the element that creates depth, personality, and a sense of collected sophistication.
Over the years, we’ve partnered with Kansas City artist Scott J. Manley, whose work has become an integral part of our design and staging process. Scott’s ability to paint across styles — from bold abstracts to soft neutrals, from expressive florals to sports iconography — makes him one of the most versatile and impactful artists we work with. His pieces don’t just fill empty wall space. They elevate it. They ground a room, spark emotion, and bring a one-of-a kind presence into every project.
And in a world full of mass-produced prints, there is truly nothing like incorporating original artwork created by local Kansas City artists into a space. Scott brings craftsmanship, creativity, and heart to every painting — qualities that align perfectly with the way we approach every Lemondrop Home design.
About the Artist: Scott J. Manley
Scott J. Manley, an accomplished fine artist based in Overland Park, Kansas, studied fine art at Fort Hays State University, where he began shaping the diverse style he is known for today. His medium of choice is acrylic — a material that allows him to work with both precision and expressive freedom. Scott paints by hand, and often with airbrush, giving him the ability to create everything from soft gradients to vivid detail work.
One of the most notable highlights of Scott’s career is his selection as a featured artist for The Parade of Hearts Kansas City — a competitive, high-profile regional art initiative. He was chosen two consecutive years to design and paint large public heart sculptures displayed thorughout the metro. His second commissioned heart, an Amelia Earhart-inspired design featuring detailed imagery and historical symbolism, now lives permanently at the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum in Atchison, Kansas. It is one of other clearest representation of Scott’s ability to blend artistry with storytelling.
Scott’s work reaches people across Kansas City — from homeowners to collectors, from sports fans to art lovers — and his artistic flexibility makes him dream collaborator for designers. He can create new custom paintings in any size, style, or palette, and he also transforms older pieces by revitalizing or reimagining them. His consultative approach to art — discussing scale, composition, colors, and style — ensures every finished piece feels intentional and deeply personal.
Why We Love Using Scott’s Artwork in Our Designs
Original art has an undeniable ability to change the energy of a room. When we bring Scott into a project, whether it’s fully furnished design install in Overland Park or a model home staging in Olathe, we know his pieces will elevate the space in ways no mass-market print ever could.
Below are the core reasons we turn to Scott again and again.
His versatility is unmatched.
One look at Scott’s portfolio shows just how dynamic he is as an artist. Many artists master one style — Scott has mastered nearly all of them. He effortlessly moves between:
Modern abstracts with layered brushwork
Soft, Scandinavian-style neutrals
Bold color fields
Expressive florals that evoke movement and emotion
Detailed portraits and pet commissions
Sports-driven pieces
Public art with storytelling elements
This Level of range allows us to select (or commission) artwork that perfectly aligns with the architecture, furnishings, and palette of each home. Whether we want tonal minimalism or a dramatic focal point, Scott creates art that feels curated specifically for the space.
His artwork photographs beautifully — which is essential for staging.
In staging, visuals are everything. Homes today sell online before buyers ever step through the door, which means the artwork we choose must photograph beautifully on listings, marketing brochures, and social media.
Strong composition looks great through a camera lens
His use of neutrals layered with contrast adds dimension
Large-scale pieces fill walls in a way that feels intentional and high-end
His palette works well in natural and artificial light
They draw the eye to key moments: fireplaces, dining rooms, entryways
His art doesn’t just complement the design — it enhances the marketability of every listing.
His work creates emotional connection — and emotional connection sells homes.
Buyers walk into a staged home and immediately try to imagine themselves living there. Artwork is one of the fastest ways to create that emotional resonance. Scott’s pieces often spark conversation, curiosity, or instant admiration.
We’ve seen buyers linger in rooms simply because a painting made the space feel elevated or unexpected. Original art brings a sense of luxury — and luxury brings value.
Spotlight: Scott’s Artwork Across Styles
Scott’s breathe of styles means his work can enhance almost any aesthetic. Below are the types of pieces we most frequently use in Lemondrop Home projects.
Pet Portraits with Heart and Character
Scott’s pet portraits are tender, expressive, and incredibly lifelike. They capture emption and personality — perfect for hallways, offices, bedrooms, or meaningful gift pieces.
Equestrian Artwork with Emotional Depth
His equestrian paintings brings a calm, noble presence to any room. They work beautifully in transitional homes, rustic-modern spaces, and luxury farm properties.
Floral Paintings for Sophisticated, Moody Interiors
Scott’s florals are truly stunning — textured, layered, and full movement. They bring elegance to living rooms, dining rooms, and primary bedrooms.
These pieces often become the visual anchor of the room.
Sports Paintings That Feel Iconic
Kansas City homeowners Love Scott’s sports art. His Chiefs, Royals, and K-State pieces are dynamic, bold, and energetic — perfect for:
Basements
Theater rooms
Offices
Home bars
Rec rooms
Teen spaces
They show team pride while still feeling like elevates artwork
Pop Art with Personality
Not every home calls for quiet neutrals or soft brushwork — and that’s where Scott J. Manley’s pop art shines. These bold, playful pieces show another side of his talent: one that’s colorful, graphic, and full of personality.
For this particular home, the client wanted artwork that felt unexpected — something that would instantly make people smile and spark conversation. Scott delivered with two standout pop art paintings: a vibrant, retro-inspired female portrait and a cheeky, oversized pink donut.
Perfect for:
Basements
Game rooms
Home bars
Bonus rooms
Teen spaces
Creative offices
A Personal Tradition: Commissioned Artwork for Rebecca’s Kids
One of the most meaningful ways we have seen Scott’s talent come to life is through a deeply personal commission for ours truly, Rebecca. Instead of choosing a traditional gift, Rebecca wanted to start a Christmas tradition for her children — something lasting, meaningful, and completely unique to them.
Each year, she commissions Scott to create an original painting for her kids, designed specifically for their basement space. These aren’t just pieces of art — they are memories captured on canvases.
Why this Kind of Art Matters
These paintings perfectly represent why we love incorporating custom art into our design and staging work. Original artwork like this:
Tells a family’s story
Becomes part of a home’s legacy
Grows sentimental value over time
Feels intentional and irreplaceable
Turns a basement into a space filled with meaning.
Rebecca’s tradition is such a beautiful reminder that art doesn’t have to be formal or serious to be valuable. It can be fun. It can be playful. It can celebrate childhood, creativity, and family—all while being beautifully executed.
Scott’s ability to move between large scale abstract work, sophisticated staging art, and deeply personal family commissions is what makes him such a special collaborator.
Bring Custom Artwork Into Your Home or Listing
Whether you’re a homeowner wanting a custom piece, a realtor preparing for a standout listing, or a builder needing artwork for a model home, we can help you source and commission the perfect piece from Scott.
At Lemondrop Home, we’re proud to partner with artists who bring soul and story into every project — and Scott Manley is one of the best.
If you’d like to incorporate Scott’s artwork into your next design or staging project, contact us today!