Art/Design My life as an artist began with creating impressionistic watercolors as a child, then logos for my pre-teen band. I was highly inspired by artist Peter Max, and Bill Grahams concert graphics. As a teen, I studied oil painting via Van Gogh's masterpieces, and fell in love with the poster art of Toulouse Lautrec. After receiving a Bachelors Degree in Illustration & Graphic Design, I've spent 40 years as a self-employed Graphic Designer & Illustrator. more…
Murals Since 1997, I've also been a muralist, directing over 150 mural projects at Bay Area schools and communities, and painting in residences and communities. more…
Fine Art Since 2012 I've been participating in solo and group exhibits. I paint to create joy in my own world, and hopefully in others lives as well. Bright colors give me a sense of possibility, and hope that each day will bring possibilities for a more connected and peaceful world. When visiting my studio, or a show, you’ll view vibrant nature-inspired art on recycled fence boards, wood, and canvas. more…
Music For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to play in a band. The first was "The Pre- Teen Tones" (at 12). It was the 60s, we were 5 friends with guitars playing folks rock covers. Then it was the 80's, we were 4 "Girls with Guitars", and for the first time my originals were included on the set list. more…
If you come to one of my Art shows, or view images in my Gallery, you'll see nature-inspired paintings that inspire a feeling of joy and hope, for myself, and hopefully others as well. In my Coastside community and beyond, I show/sell my acrylic paintings on canvas, and Fence Chunks on recycled wood, which hang on walls, fences, gates and decks around the country. Paintings, prints, notecards and calendars are available via my website Store. Commissions are always welcome, contact me.
Murals Since 1997, I've also been a muralist, directing over 150 mural projects at Bay Area schools and communities, and painting in residences and communities. more…
Fine Art Since 2012 I've been participating in solo and group exhibits. I paint to create joy in my own world, and hopefully in others lives as well. Bright colors give me a sense of possibility, and hope that each day will bring possibilities for a more connected and peaceful world. When visiting my studio, or a show, you’ll view vibrant nature-inspired art on recycled fence boards, wood, and canvas. more…
Music For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to play in a band. The first was "The Pre- Teen Tones" (at 12). It was the 60s, we were 5 friends with guitars playing folks rock covers. Then it was the 80's, we were 4 "Girls with Guitars", and for the first time my originals were included on the set list. more…
If you come to one of my Art shows, or view images in my Gallery, you'll see nature-inspired paintings that inspire a feeling of joy and hope, for myself, and hopefully others as well. In my Coastside community and beyond, I show/sell my acrylic paintings on canvas, and Fence Chunks on recycled wood, which hang on walls, fences, gates and decks around the country. Paintings, prints, notecards and calendars are available via my website Store. Commissions are always welcome, contact me.
Artist Statement
"I paint to connect with myself and my community. I see my art as a way to create joy and hope in my own world, and hopefully in others lives as well. When visiting my studio, or a show, you‘ll view vibrant nature-inspired art on recycled fence boards, wood, canvas, mailboxes, surfboards, etc.! In addition to fine art, I paint residential and commercial murals. I am artist in residence at many Bay Area schools, including Art Specialist for the Cabrillo School District (HMB). My “Art in the Park” class at Pilarcitos Alternative High School worked in collaboration with State Park volunteers at Francis Beach, creating educational signage and murals assisting nursery visitors. |
Bio
Ellen was born in 1956 in Richmond, California, and began painting as soon as she could hold a brush (age 3). Her first works were “impressionistic” watercolors (Popeye followed by the Pony Express). In high school and college she studied figure drawing, impressionistic oil painting, pen and ink and watercolor. Influenced by poster artist Peter Max, and album cover artists of the 1960’s known for their bright colors and swirling psychedelic graphics. As a high school student she studied Vincent Van Gogh's impressionistic style and Toulouse-Lautrec's posters. After a mural tour of San Francisco's Mission District in 1996, Ellen began volunteering on mural projects with Precita Eyes Mural Center. Within a year Ellen was directing mural projects in elementary & middle schools. She has also received many residential and commercials mural commissions. She has completed over 135 mural projects. I am a member of Colony of Coastside Artists, the Half Moon Bay OddFellows, Precita Eyes Mural Center, and San Carlos Chamber of Commerce. I live on the coast in El Granada. |
Mural Resume
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Education
1980, San Jose State University, CA, BS, Design/Illustration Professional Activities Graphic Design, 1980-present Graphic artist clients include: Belmont Chamber of Commerce CalRTA (California Retired Teachers Assn.) Central Park Music Series City of San Mateo Faith in Action, San Carlos Kathy Kallick Band Oakland Community Organization Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center Ruth Waters Sculptor San Carlos Art & Wine Faire San Carlos Wine Stroll San Carlos Farmers Market San Francisco Treasurers Symposium San Mateo Parks and Recreation San Mateo Public Library Walton & Sons Masonry Wise Woman Yoga 2013-2018, Art Specialist, Cabrillo District 2010-present Graphic Artist for COCA (Colony of Coastside Artists) Professional Memberships Colony of Coastside Artists Peninsula Arts Council Half Moon Bay OddFellows Precita Eyes Mural Center San Mateo Chamber Grants & Awards 2021 Graphic Artist of Year nominee, IBMA 2017-21, Philanthropic Ventures Visiting Artist Grant 2016, Reader’s Choice Award, HMB Review 2016-2021, Donors Choose Grant 2015, Emerging Artist Award, HMB Beautification Committee 2011, Peninsula Arts Council, Featured Artist of the Month 2010-2016 Philanthropic Ventures Grants 2001, California PTA Very Special Person Award: Service w/Children /Youth Solo Exhibitions 2018, Community Gallery (Hall of Justice), Redwood City 2017, San Mateo City Hall 2017, San Mateo Main Library 2016, Bamboo Hair + Body, Half Moon Bay 2016, OddFellows, Half Moon Bay 2016, Senior Center, Half Moon Bay Group Exhibitions 2016-17, 337 Mirada Art Gallery, Miramar 2015, Pay it Forward, Coastal Arts League, Half Moon Bay 2015-17, Silicon Valley Open Studios, Redwood City, El Granada 2014-16, Made on the Coast Block, HMB Pumpkin Festival, HMB 2014, Bonny Doon Art & Wine Festival, Bonny Doon 2013-16, Gathering of Women Artists, Montara 2012, Coastal Arts League, Half Moon Bay 2012, CoCA (Colony of Coastside Artists), Half Moon Bay Library 2010-2017, CoCA Open Studios (Colony of Coastside Artists) 2011-12, La Nebbia Winery, Half Moon Bay 2012- Harbor Village Farmer's Market, El Granada Media & Publications 2015-6, Half Moon Bay Review 2011, Oakland Tribune 2008, Half Moon Bay Review 2006, Contra Costa Times 2005, Half Moon Bay Review 2003, Daly City Gazette 2002, Precita Eyes Insights 2002, SF Chronicle 2000, Daly City Independent |
Public/Community Mural Commissions
2019, Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito 2019, CPMC Davies Campus, SF 2019, ALAS, HMB 2017, ALAS, HMB 2014, Mid-Pen Housing, San Mateo 2012, City of Orinda/Orinda Historical Society, Orinda 2012, WORLD (Women Organized to Respond to Life-Threatening Diseases), Oakland 2010, University Village, Berkeley 2010, Half Moon Bay Library, HMB 2009, SF MOMA, SF 2008, St. Francis Center, Redwood City 2008, Puente Resource Center, Pescadero 2008, HMB Chamber of Commerce, HMB 2007, St. Mary’s College, Moraga 2005, Bella Luna, Spanishtown, HMB 2004, Dr. King, Dentist Office, Berkeley 2003, California Pacific Medical Center, SF 2002, Seton Medical Center, Daly City 2002, Fuddruckers Restaurant, Daly City 1999, Alemany Farmers Market, SF Artist in Residencies in Schools Coastside: 2009-22, Pescadero Elementary, Pescadero 2013-18, Pilarcitos High School, HMB 2011-18, El Granada Elementary, El Granada 2013, King’s Mountain Elementary, Woodside 2013-15, La Honda Elementary, La Honda 2006, Ocean Shore Elementary, Pacifica 2010-13, Sea Crest Elementary, HMB Peninsula: 2016, Fox School, Belmont 2013, Denali Charter School, Sunnyvale 2012, Taft Elementary, Redwood City 2010-16, La Entrada, Menlo Park 2009-11, Phillips-Brooks School, Menlo Park 2009, Daniel Webster Elementary, Daly City 2006, Baden High School Mid-Point Program, S. San Francisco 2005, San Carlos Charter Learning Center, San Carlos 2005-8, Woodside Elementary, Woodside 1999-2003, JFK Elementary, Daly City San Francisco: 2015, Aptos Middle School 2015, Hoover Middle School 2014, Paul Revere Elementary 2012-2016, ER Taylor Elementary 2008-16, Lawton Elementary 2008, Miraloma Elementary 2004, Everett Middle School 2004, Hebrew Academy North Bay: 2009, Marin Country Day School, Corte Madera 2007, MKL, Jr. Academy, Marin City East Bay: 2002, Stanley Middle School, Lafayette 2006, St. Mary's College, Moraga Fine art and murals are also held in numerous public and private collections throughout the United States. |