2023 Frank Bette Plein Air Paintout Juror

Ellen Howard
As an avid explorer and traveler, Ellen is curious about the transitory elements of nature and love discovering quiet unexplored areas. Seeing the light move across the land, cascading off a mountain range, streaming through the leaves, dancing on the top of the waves, and creating a beautiful ray of warmth in the sky and clouds is pure serenity; where she finds her center and solutions through art, for life.
She has always been drawn to paint water; both in the marshlands and by the ocean. This fascination comes from my fondest memories of summers at the Jersey Shore. The freedom of being on her own, floating on the waves or body surfing gave her respite from life's challenges when she was young. The beach became my solitude and place to recharge. To this day, she gravitates toward the tranquility and peacefulness of the ocean. Ideas also come to her on solitary hikes when she has the space to slow down, observe and see things more clearly. The beauty of the light and shadow patterns across the landscape, the moodiness of the sky or how the sun peeks through the dark branches of trees are what captures her attention most readily. She favors the irregularity of nature: ragged rocks, knotty tree trunks, peeling bark, and muddy waters of the marshlands. 
​Through her artwork, teaching, curating, and serving as Vice president and co-chair for the California Art Club, She has found a wonderful balance of creative pursuits which enables her to feel fulfilled as an artist and person.