Ellen’s Story

Welcome to the vibrant, ethereal world of Ellen MacEwan, a contemporary mixed media artist known for her modern abstract art created with watercolor, ink and pastel, as well as oil. Ellen's work captures the sacred in the everyday, offering beauty and inspiration for homes and businesses alike. Her work is characterized by fluid washes, serene color palettes, botanical and equine motifs, and expressive marks.

Born in Owensboro, Kentucky, Ellen was passionate about art from an early age. Her early affinity for drawing was matched only by her love of horses, which frequently appeared in her art and still do to this day. Under the mentorship of local artist Rhonda McEnroe, Ellen honed her skills in pastels and oil painting, laying the foundation for her future in art. She then studied the intersection of art and psychology at the University of Richmond, enhanced by fine art studies abroad in Florence and Barcelona.

Ellen’s early career focused on representational art, especially commissioned equine and pet portraits in oil, graphite and watercolor. The transition to watercolor was born from the practical constraints of living in a small apartment without dedicated studio space but grew into a profound love for the medium's fluidity and expressiveness. She also still paints in oils, her first love.

In 2016, Ellen relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona. She draws endless inspiration from the harsh yet beautiful desert landscapes. These elements vividly color her current work with desert-inspired palettes and motifs.

The birth of her daughter in 2022 marked a transformative period in Ellen's life and work. Motherhood deepened her intuition and thus her connection to her art, pushing her creations towards more abstract, expressive realms that reflected her personal growth. Her process became more intuitive, and her work began to reflect the deeper connection with her nurturing soul and creative energy.

Ellen invites you to experience the emotional resonance and soulful beauty of her artwork. Explore her collections in the online shop and perhaps find an original piece or print reproduction that resonates with your spirit.