Welcome to the World of

Ellen is an accomplished, multi-disciplinary artist based in Knoxville, Tennessee, with over three decades of experience spanning fine art photography, custom interior design, and plein air oil painting. Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ellen relocated to East Tennessee in 1988 and immediately became an active leader in the regional arts scene. She joined the Tennessee Artists Association (TAA) shortly after her move, ultimately serving as the organization’s President from 1993 to 1994.

Ellen earned consecutive juried awards in fine art photography from 1989 to 1991, which laid the groundwork for her next venture: a successful commercial art enterprise. For over a decade, she specialized in high-end floor cloths, large-scale murals, and custom faux finishes. Her professional reputation as an interior artisan was underscored by a six-year tenure showcasing her work at the prestigious Knoxville Symphony Showhouse through 2002.

The Plein Air Renaissance & Regional Reception

Following a twenty-year hiatus from painting, Ellen experienced a profound artistic resurgence in the fall of 2024. Drawn to the outdoors—her ultimate “happy place”—she volunteered with Knoxville’s Artist on Location event and found her true calling in plein air painting. Today, she works primarily in oils, navigating the unpredictable outdoor elements to capture the fleeting beauty of nature.

Her return to competitive fine art has been met with validation across the Southeast:

• Regional Acquisitions: Her fine art pieces have been in competitive regional exhibitions, with original works quickly acquired for private collections across Tennessee and Alabama.
• Second Place | Johnson County Center for the Arts (June 2025) – Awarded at her inaugural plein air event.
• Juried Selection | Oak Ridge Art Center Open Show (August 2025)

Professional Affiliations

Ellen remains deeply committed to supporting and volunteering in her local arts community. She maintains active memberships in the following organizations:

• Knoxville Museum of Art
• Knoxville Cultural Alliance
• Tennessee Artists Association
• Tuesday Painters (Plein Air Collective)