About the Artist
Artist's Statement:
"Capturing my interpretation of the beauty around me in a joyful and spontaneous manner is my intention and hope this joy shows through in my paintings, and drawings from life!"
About me:
An Arizona native, Ellen and her husband raised two incredible sons, with a love of their horses and pets, sharing adventures as a family all around the west. Ellen's upbringing is deeply rooted in the beauty of the American Southwest, and beyond. This aesthetic led her to study Fine Arts at Arizona State University and ultimately enjoy a successful career in interior design. Her philosophy that the elements of design are universal, now nurtures and guides her passion for creating art.
Ellen's painting process begins and many times ends en plein air, delighting in the richness of oil or gouache, pulling from her location sketches and photographs to complete the process. Adding to the joy is sharing these experiences with amazing artists friends! Balancing her painting is a dedicated practice of figure drawing from life.
Making a move with her husband to Taos, New Mexico in recent years, has opened an exciting new chapter! This magical place takes her breath away every day, elevating her experiences and growth in the arts, beauty, rich history and community of this Land of Enchantment that she now calls home.
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts, in Interior Design, Arizona State University, 1977
Career:
Designer on staff, Morse Studio of Interior Design, Paradise Valley, Arizona 1977-1987
Co-Owner, Updegraff and Harper Studio of Interior Design, 1987-1993, Scottsdale, Arizona
Owner, Harper Studio of Interior Design, Scottsdale, Arizona 1993-2025
Co-Owner, Harper Gillenwater Studio of Interior Design, Flagstaff, Arizona 1993-2025
Mentors and Inspiring Artists:
John and Kay Morse, Nancy Gillenwater, Susan Folwell, Davison Koenig, Barbara Brenner, Manon Sander, Jim Wodark, Bill Gallen, Tracy Turner Sheppard, Susan Marrion, Sherrie McGraw, David Leifel, Michelle Usibelli, Kathie Odom, Michael Chesley Johnson, my amazing Amigas del Canon and many more!
Affiliations and exhibitions include:
Amigas del Canon, Taos, New Mexico
Tajmagundi Artists Life Drawing Sketch Group, Taos, New Mexico
Taos Plein Air Painters, Taos, New Mexico
Top 10 Plein Air Salon, Plein Air Magazine, 2024
Que Viva Artistes Exhibition, Couse-Sharp Historical Site, Taos, New Mexico
La Luz de Taos Exhibition, Couse-Sharp Historical Site, Taos, New Mexico
Millicent Rogers Miniature Shows, Taos, New Mexico
Crested Butte Colorado Art Festival Open Artists Category
Scottsdale Artist School, Beaux Arts Exhibitioin
Arizona Pastel Artists Associaation
