About the Artist
Ellen Howard
Ellen Howard is an impressionist painter drawn to moments of quiet clarity—those brief, luminous pauses when light, land, and emotion align. Her work is rooted in sustained observation and presence, shaped by the belief that painting is not simply about what we see, but about how deeply—and honestly—we are willing to notice.
Whether painting en plein air or in the studio, Ellen seeks the emotional resonance of place: the hush of early morning, the steadiness of a solitary tree, the way a river bends and continues on its course. These moments are not grand declarations, but quiet affirmations. Her paintings reflect a reverence for stillness in a fractured world, offering landscapes as places of reflection, resilience, and calm rather than escape.
Working primarily in oils and gouache, Ellen embraces impermanence—changing light, shifting weather, fleeting impressions—as an essential and generative part of the creative process. Uncertainty becomes an invitation rather than an obstacle, allowing intuition, restraint, and trust to guide each painting as it unfolds. The work emerges as a response to time and lived experience, not as a fixed or predetermined outcome.
Through workshops, demonstrations, and her long-running newsletter series The Art of…, Ellen reflects on painting as both a disciplined practice and a way of being in the world. Her writing and teaching explore themes of stillness, courage, reflection, and the quiet strength required to stand attentively—and truthfully—in one’s own experience.
Now based in Boise, Idaho, Ellen finds renewed inspiration in the expansive skies, winding rivers, and open farmlands of the Treasure Valley. This landscape—both intimate and vast—continues to shape her work, offering space to listen, to breathe, and to paint with intention.
At the heart of Ellen’s work is an invitation: to slow down not for nostalgia, but for clarity—to see more fully, to feel more deeply, and to recognize the quiet beauty that persists, often unnoticed, in the world around us.
Passion
Ellen’s passion for painting is rooted in a lifelong attentiveness to change—light that shifts, weather that moves through, moments that cannot be held. An avid explorer and traveler, she is drawn to the transitory qualities of the natural world, where no experience is ever repeated, and presence becomes essential.
Painting is not simply an act of observation, but a way of aligning with life’s rhythms. Working outdoors, immersed in the elements, Ellen experiences painting as a practice of trust—responding rather than controlling, listening rather than imposing. The uncertainty of changing skies and fleeting light mirrors the larger unfolding of life itself.
Her landscapes are reflections of this lived dialogue with nature. Through them, Ellen explores themes of faith, resilience, and gratitude—believing that meaning reveals itself not through certainty, but through attention and openness. Each painting becomes an affirmation of presence, a reminder that beauty and clarity often arrive quietly, and only for a moment.
"My art is centered around living a faithful life and trusting in the unfolding of the great tapestry of life."
"Evening Warmth"
Second Mountain
After a successful career in finance, Ellen returned to her lifelong passion for art—what she describes as her second mountain. Her journey back began at the Peninsula Museum of Art, where she rediscovered not only the act of painting, but the power of art to connect people and build community.
For more than 15 years, Ellen has cultivated a professional career as a fine artist, developing a distinctive voice rooted in observation, atmosphere, and intuition. This return was not a departure from her earlier path, but a deepening—bringing clarity, purpose, and a renewed commitment to creative service.
Process
Ellen’s process begins outdoors, where she paints en plein air and responds directly to shifting light, water, and atmosphere. She often hikes into foothills, along winding rivers, or across open farmland to discover scenes that quietly reveal themselves through time and attention. Immersed in nature, she absorbs the shimmer of reflections, the glow of evening skies, and the stillness of the land. These field studies capture not only what she sees, but how the moment feels—records of presence infused with memory and emotion.
Back in the studio, these impressions evolve into larger works layered with depth and intuition. Guided by both observation and feeling, Ellen balances structure with freedom, allowing each painting to unfold organically. The result is a body of work that honors the landscape while inviting viewers into a shared moment of stillness, discovery, and quiet clarity.
"Twilight Serenade"
Influences
Ellen’s love of art traces back to her grandfather, an illustrator and airline purser in the 1930s, whose drawings, stories, and adventurous spirit shaped her early sense of curiosity and creative exploration. His life of travel and making planted the foundation for Ellen’s own artistic journey and continues to inform her sense of wonder and discovery.
Her work is informed by both historical and contemporary painters. The luminous atmosphere and sensitivity to fleeting light found in Claude Monet have long guided her understanding of how momentary impressions can be captured on canvas. She is also influenced by Sergei Bongart, whose bold brushwork and expressive use of color resonate with her desire to paint with energy and emotional depth.
Ellen’s practice is further shaped by early California painters such as E. Charlton Fortune, Edgar Payne, and William Frederick Ritschel. Their work—celebrating light, movement, and the enduring presence of the landscape—reinforces her belief in painting as both a personal expression and an ongoing dialogue with the natural world.
Service to Others
Beyond her studio practice, Ellen is deeply committed to service within the arts. Through teaching, writing, curating, and leadership, she has found a meaningful balance between creative work and community engagement.
For eleven years, Ellen has served the California Art Club, first as Co-Chapter Chair of the San Francisco Chapter and currently as Vice President. In these roles, she has helped foster membership, education, and professional opportunities for artists nationwide. This commitment reflects her belief that the arts thrive through shared knowledge, generosity, and collective support.
"Echoes of Dusk"
Juried Exhibitions
2027
• Faculty Plein Air Convention, May 2027
• Borrego Springs Invitational, February 2027
• Desert Plein Air Featured Artist, January 2027
2026
• California Art Club, In the Open Air, December 2026
• Brinton Museum Invitational, Small Works Exhibition, October 2026
. Plein Air Salon, Top Finalist, August 2026
• BoldBrush Award for Best Abstract, August 2026
• The Pacific Artistry Showcase, August 2026
• American Impressionist Society's 6th Annual Associate Member Exhibition, August 2026
• Driggs Plein Air Festival, July 2026
• California Art Club's 115th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition, June 2026
• Instructor for Plein Air Workshop in the French Alps, June 2026
• Plein Air Salon, Top 100 Finalist, April 2026
• Holton Studio Gallery, Spring Show, March 2026
• VIP & Featured Artist Desert Plein Air Competition, January 2026
2025
• "Echos of Yosemite", St. Mary's College Museum of Art, September 2025
• American Impressionist Society 5th Annual Associate Member Exhibition, August 2025
• Top 100 Plein Air Salon, July 2025
• "Summer Nights", Excellence in Traditional Fine Art Competition, June 2025
• Carmel Art Festival, May 2025
• Featured in Plein Air Magazine's "Secrets to Expressive Skies", May 2025
• Faculty, Plein Air Convention, Reno/Tahoe, May 2025
• Borrego Springs 19th Annual Invitational, March 2025
• Featured Artists for Modern Impressionist Magazine March/April 2025
• Featured guest on AART Podcast with Chris Stafford, Feb. 2025
2024
• Plein Air Salon, Honorable Mention, October 2024
• American Impressionist Society All Member Exhibition, November 2024
• Brinton Museum Invitational "Small Works" Exhibition, November 2024
• Top 100 Plein Air Salon, September 2024
• "Ladies of Light", Carmel Fine Art, Group Exhibition, September 2024
• "Fascinations of Fall", Excellence in Traditional Fine Art Competition, September -December 2024
• Idyllic Impressions", California Art Club, September 2024-January 2025
• California Art Club's 113th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition, August 2024
• Iconic California, Plein Air Exhibition, The Coastal Art League, July 2024
• Instructor for Plein Air Workshop in Costa Brava, Spain, May 2024
• Colibri Gallery Invitational Paintout, May 2024
• Carmel Art Festival's 31st Anniversary Annual Event, May 2024
• Borrego Springs 18th Annual Plein Air Invitational, March 2024
•"California Art Club's, Excellence in Traditional Fine Art, "Signs of Spring", March 2024
• Boldbrush Painting Competition, Finalist Award, February 2024
•"California Art Club's "Moonlight Serenade", January 2024
2023
•"American Impressionist Society's 4th Annual Member Exhibition, December 2023
• 4th Annual LPAPA Squared, December
•" Greater Bay Area Open", November 17, 2023-March 9, 2024
•"Autumn Splendor", Excellence in Traditional Fine Art, California Art Club, September 2023
• NOAPS Associate Online Exhibition, August 2023
• Judge for 18th Annual Frank Better Plein Air Paint Out, August 2023
• American Impressionist Society Associate Member Exhibition, July 2023
• Chosen for “5 to Watch” section in Fine Art Connoisseur, August 2023
• "On the Threshold: Ellen Howard, Tia Kratter, Kim Lordier" ,Holton Studio Gallery, July 2023
• California Art Club 112th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition, July 2023
• Faculty Plein Air Convention PACE, May 2023
• Carmel Art Festival, May 2023
• Plein Air Invitational, Bird Dog Arts, April 2023
•"Spring Awakening", Excellence in Traditional Fine Art, California Art Club, March 2023
• Plein Air Magazine, Portfolio Section, Mountain High/Valley Low, Jan/Feb issue 2023
2022
• Plein Air Magazine, Portfolio Section, Nightlife, Oct/Nov issue 2022
• American Impressionist Society's 3rd Annual Member Exhibition, November 2022
• Holton Studio Gallery, "Beloved California", November 2022
• 25th Anniversary Member Exhibition, Plein Air Painters of Colorado, October 2022
• California Art Club, "Monumental Miniatures" September, 2022
• "Transitions: The Beauty of Life's Journey", Harrington Gallery-Firehouse Art Center, August 2022
• Art School Live, Eric Rhoads, July 20, 2022
• NOAPS Associate Member Exhibition, July 2022
• Fine Art Connoisseur's portfolio section "Treasuring our Green Zones", June 2022
• California Art Club's 111th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition, July 2022
• Carmel Plein Air Festival, May 2022
• Faculty Plein Air Convention, Santa Fe, May 2022
• American Impressionist Society 2nd Annual Associate Member Exhibition, April 2022
• Kern County Plein Air Invitational, April 2022
• Best of Plein Air, Semi Finalist, Laguna Plein Air Painters, February, 2022
2021
• "Beloved California", Holton Studio Gallery, November 2021
• "Eight Takes: California Impressionism" Exhibition, Firehouse Art Center, September 2020
• "Featured Artist" for Mendocino Open Paint Out, September 2021
• "Little Windows" Exhibition at Holton Studio Gallery, July 2021
• "Just Plein Summertime Exhibition", Huse/Skelly Gallery, July 2021
• California Art Club's Annual Gold Medal Exhibition, July 2021
• "Moments of Joy" Exhibition, California Art Club, June 2021
• "Ode to Spring", Huse/Skelly Gallery, Honorable Mention, May 2021
• Salmagundi Club's 2021 Annual Members Exhibition, May 2021
•"Rebirth & Renewal" Exhibition, California Art Club, March 2021
2020
• Volunteer of the Year Award, California Art Club, December 2020
• "Welcome to California", California Art Club Exhibition, November 2020
• "Beloved California", Holton Studio Gallery 5th Annual Exhibition, November 2020
• Boldbrush FAV 15 Jury's Favorite for my painting, "Bayland Marsh", September 2020
• Plein Air Magazine "Sunrise/Sunset" Portfolio Section, October/November Issue, 2020
• Fine Art Connoisseur "Look Up" Portfolio Section, September/October Issue, 2020
• Boldbrush FAV 15 Jury's Favorite for my painting, "Along the Golden Path", July 2020
• California Art Club "Our World Re-imagined", June 2020
• Boldbrush FAV 15 Jury's Favorite for my painting, "Beyond the Light", May 2020
• "Little Windows", Holton Studio Gallery, June 2020
• Where in the World is Plein Air?, Illume Gallery , May 2020
• BoldBrush FAV 15 Jury's Favorite for my painting "Emergence", April
• Salmagundi Annual Members' Exhibition, April 2020
• California Art Club 109th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition, May 2020
• Carmel Art Festival, May 2020
• Kern County Plein Air Invitational, April 2020
• California Art Club, Treasures fro the Bay Area, March 2020
• BoldBrush FAV 15 Jury's Favorite for my painting "The Journey", March 2020
• BoldBrush FAV 15 Jury's Favorite for my painting "Restless Waters", February 2020
• California Art Club, Mid-California Highlights: From the Sierra to the Sea, January 2020
• Salmagundi Club, Thumb Box Exhibition, January 2020
2019
• Castle Gallery, Holiday Show, 2019
• Triton All State Salon Exhibition, November 2019
• Tiny & HUGE Exhibition at Studio Gallery SF, November 2019
• Art & Nature Exhibition, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, November 2019
• Mendocino Open Paint Out, Judge's Award, September, 2019
• Solo Exhibition: "Ebb & Flow" at Peninsula Museum of Art, September 2019
• California Art Club: Autumn Impressions: Painting the American Landscape, August 2019
• Solo Exhibition: "Out on the Edge" at the Mendocino Art Center, June 2019
• California Art Club, Bay Area Parks, Outdoor Treasures, June 2019
• American Impressionist Society, Small Works Showcase, June 2019
• California Art Club, Summer Impressions: Painting the American Landscape, May 2019
• Annual Kern County Plein Air Painting Festival, April 2019
• 108th California Art Club Annual Gold Medal Exhibition, March 2019
• Artist in Residence, Mendocino Art Center, February 2019
• California Art Club, SF Chapter "The City by the Bay" Exhibition, February 2019
• Laguna Plein Air Painters Association "Town & Country" Exhibition, January 2019
• California Art Club, "A Journey Through Central California", January, 2019
• Salmagundi Club, Thumb Box Exhibition, January 2019
2018
• Castle Gallery Fine Art, Christmas Invitational Exhibition, December 2018
• Studio Gallery Exhibition, "Tiny & HUGE", November 2018
• Honorable Mention, Capitola Plein Air Paint Out, November 2018
• Salmagundi Club Membership, August 2018
• Featured Artist for Mendocino Plein Air Paint Out, September 2018
• Honorable Mention, Frank Bette Award, Frank Bette Paint Out, August 2018
• 107th Gold Medal Exhibition, California Art Club, June 2018
• California Art Club, SF Chapter, "Art Between the Lines", April 2018
• Castle Gallery Fine Art, Valentine's Invitational Exhibition, February 2018
• American Impressionist Society's 2nd Small Works Showcase, March 2018
• Laguna Plein Air Painters " Town & Country" Exhibition at Forest & Ocean Gallery, January 2018
2017
• Artist Member of California Art Club, December 2017
• Signature Member of Monterey Plein Air Painters Association, November 2017
•"Art & Nature", Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, November 2017
• NOAPS, Holiday Small Works Exhibition, Cathy Kline Gallery, November 2017
• Capitola Plein Air Event, November 2017
• "Best Water Scene", Mendocino Plein Air, September 2017
• CPAP 2017 International Challenge, September 2017
• Co-Chair San Francisco Chapter of California Art Club, September 2017
• NOAPS, Best of America Exhibition, October 2017
• Signature Member, California Plein Air Painters, September 2017
• Plein Air Painters of Colorado Annual Exhibition, September 2017
• Frank Bette Paint Out, August, 2017
• Second Place, Greater Bay Area Open Annual Exhibition, June 2017
• California, The Golden State, LAPAPA, June 2017
• Honorable Mention, Steinbeck Exhibition, MBPAPA Annual Exhibition, May 2017
• Honorable Mention, California Plein Air Painters Exhibition, April 2017
• Outdoor Painters Society Plein Air Southwest Salon, April 2017
• Northern California Impressionism, Peninsula Museum of Art, October 2016 – January 2017
2016
• Published in “Plein Air Magazine’s” November 2016 issue
• “People Choice” Frank Bette Paint out, 2016
• Featured Artist for Mendocino Plein Air Paint Out, September 2016
• National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society: “Best of America” Exhibition, Sept.2016
• 66th Annual Society of Western Artist Exhibition, August, 2016
• Monterey Bay Plein Air Painter's Annual Exhibition, August, 2016
• Laguna Plein Air Painters: “Welcome to Spring” Exhibition, April 2016
2015
• 16th Annual American Impressionist Society Exhibition, October 2015
• Signature Member, Society of Western Artists, August 2015
• Frank Bette Paint Out, July 2015
• Honorable Mention, Greater Bay Area Open Exhibition, August 2015
• Los Gatos Plein Air Competition, June 2015
• Plein Air Southwest Salon, April 2015
2014
• 2nd Place Los Gatos Art Association Annual Exhibition, November 2014
• Frank Bette Paint Out, July 2014
• 3rd place, Society of Western Artists 64th Annual Exhibition, June-August 2014
• The Caldwell Gallery “Inspirations in Oil,” May-June 2014
• Unleashed Art Gallery “Abstract Traditions,” March-April 2014
2013
• Triton Museum of Art: "2013 Statewide Painting Competition", Dec-Feb. 2013-2014
• Debra Huse Gallery: "Holiday Treasures Exhibition", Dec. 2013
• 3rd Place “April/May Exhibition” Society of Western Artists, 2013
• 1st Place “Winter Exhibition” Society of Western Artists Dec/Jan 2012-2013
2012
• 1st Place “Small Works Exhibition” Society of Western Artists Oct/Nov. 2012
• “Through the Lens: Nature Interpreted” Filoli Gardens July-Oct. 2012
• Published in “Gentry Magazine”, August 2012 edition
• 82 Annual Statewide “Landscape Color & Light” Santa Cruz Art Association, June & July 2012
