Biography of Kathryn Ellis
Plein Air Painter
Kathryn Malany Ellis
Biography & Statement
"I'm inspired by the beauty of our world in its many atmospheric moods; endeavoring to capture its essence in a fresh, impressionistic approach".
The art of Kathryn Malany Ellis is the product of an adventurous spirit and a lifelong love of the beauty and richness of the natural world. Invigorated by the energy, color, light, texture, and atmosphere of her surroundings, she strives to capture her subjects with rich colors in an impressionistic, painterly style.
Growing up in the bucolic countryside of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Kathy honed a strong appreciation for the outdoors. After college she moved to Annapolis, Maryland. Here she sailed the bay, experiencing life and nature as adventures. She began her art studies with noted photographer Richard Bond, developing a preference for black and white photography emphasizing composition and design. She began collecting fine art, and took advantage of the wealth of galleries and museums in the Washington, DC area.
In 1988, Kathy commenced a degree program in Art History at George Mason University; she also began studio studies and fell in love with painting. Following graduation, she studied figure with Rick Weaver and figure-in-a-landscape with Dodie Petro at The Art League in Alexandria, Virginia.
In 1998, Kathy and her husband began a new adventure, becoming innkeepers in the scenic, coastal village of Half Moon Bay, California. She continued her studies at the Pacific Art League in Palo Alto, and then focused on landscapes en plein air with California Academy of Painters. Kathy has furthered her studies with well-known artists such as Kenn Backhaus, Brian Blood, Gavin Brooks, Bill Davidson, Jeanette LeGrue, Craig Nelson, Camille Przewodek, and Randy Sexton.
The spectacular, rugged Northern California coast, mountains, peaceful valleys and small towns provide subjects and inspiration for many of Kathy's recent works. She paints regularly with Peninsula Outdoor Painters (POPS) and LGAA Plein Air Group.
Associations:
Oil Painters of America - OPA
California Art Club - CAC
Los Gatos Art Association - LGAA
Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Assoc. - MBPAPA
Peninsula Outdoor Painters - POPS
