Ellen was born and raised in the East Bay and now lives in San Leandro. Art has been a special part of her life since childhood. Being the second oldest of nine children gave her the opportunity to frequently sketch her brothers and sisters as they were growing up. She took art classes in high school and then studied at Laney College where she received an AA degree in Graphic Communication, followed by a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from California State University, Hayward.

​For many years she has worked in acrylic, watercolor and pastel, but pastel has become her favorite. It has a vibrancy and a softness she finds very appealing. She sees it as a unique combination of drawing and painting.

​Recently, Ellen has concentrated on portraits and landscapes. Many of her portraits have been of her daughters, when they were younger, and of her young nieces and nephews. When doing landscapes, she generally works from her personal photos which often depict the awesome beauty of the Sierras. Nature’s beauty always inspires her, with its interplay of light and shadow, and its endless range of color delights her.

​Contact information: wefourkings@comcast.net, Phone: 510.357.4806