Featured Artist Ellen (Ellie) Fuller

Compelling landscapes and animal paintings convey the artist’s passion and love of nature. Visit her website to learn more about her work.

 

 

Excellence in realism is my goal. I want to communicate my love of nature. In this fast-paced electronic world, my hope is that my paintings will encourage the viewer to pause, reflect and notice the beauty that surrounds us. There are visual treasures if we take the time to notice.

 

 

Nature’s beauty lies in its intricacies and minutiae. Since my inspiration comes from nature, I’m constantly surrounded by things I want to paint.

 

 

My acrylic paintings arise from the joy I feel when I’m experiencing this diversity.

 

 

They are about visual intimacy and result from intense observation—a process of immersion that involves my contemplation and concentration, frustration and exhilaration.

 

 

The painting process is both absorbing and soul satisfying. I infuse each brushstroke with my experience of peace and soulfulness while words recede and the awareness of the passage of time fades. To me, this is creative energy in its purest form, the ability to make something happen, to bring something into existence. Only in emptiness can something new be created.

 

 

My lifelong practices of T’ai Chi/GiGong and meditation translate into an energetic flow and personal expression in my paintings. Sequestering myself in my studio connects me to a space within my heart. The painting then reveals itself.

 

 

It’s not about the end result, but more about the process of learning. I feel gratitude for the creative expression that has flowed through me. Expressing my creativity is living my passion. As an artist I understand the crucial role of surrendering to the work—to its possibilities.

 

 

Once I am inspired by an image, I consider if it will translate well into a painting. I take many photographs and then go into my studio where I do numerous sketches. When I have created one that I am satisfied with, I transfer it by drawing on my canvas using a grid.

 

 

Acrylic paint allows me to work on different sections at a time and rework areas with layers of color because it dries fast. I work best when I am out of my comfort zone and have to struggle. In that way I learn something new each time I paint. I employ careful observation and painting skill to develop an image with a true likeness. It’s about discovery, of surrendering to the work, to its possibilities.

 

 

My latest theme is trees. They are wisdom keepers, faithfully witnessing the unfolding of time. Examining the lives of trees offers critical insights for human well being and survival, showing us when life thrives or falters. We must preserve the environment, and respect and protect wildlife.

 

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