Scott Sandell was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and studied at the University of Minnesola, where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting in 1975. In addition to being an avid and accomplished sailmaker, Sandell describes himself as a "third generation abstract expressionist·" Sandell began experimenting with multicolor printmaking in one press runs, which he continued to develop after he relocated to New York in 1982.

Sandett combines vibrant mixed-media in his painted prints - oil, acryllc, photography, intaglio, wood block printing, and lithography commonly layering and collaging different formats. Particularly noticeable is Sandells use of uncleaned, handmade, Japanese Kozo paper, which incorporates pieces of tree bark: and natural fibers into the work. Although many of his themes do include recognizable images, Sandell's work is primarily abstract, concentrating on the harmonious aesthetics of nature.

Sandell's works have appeared on solo and group exhibitions throughout the United States since 1917, including the Chicago Center for the Print, C,C. Rein Gallery, the Hudson River Museum, the Frick Art Museum and Chrlstie's Contemporary Art, and are included in many public collections.