Rockbridge County native, Ellie began painting through the tutelage of Pobai Heffelfinger, one of Lexington’s artists, in the mid-eighties.  Others who influenced her current artistic style were Roy Rudasill, long time member of SVC’s art faculty and tutor for several years; and Helmut Gransow (oils) and Betsy Dillard Stroud (watercolor) through workshops.

     Mostly self-taught, Ellie works primarily in watercolors but also enjoys oils and pastels.  Her colorful florals, still lifes and landscapes have won numerous awards in the community and at the Rockbridge Regional Fair.  She has developed a style of bravura brush strokes coupled with both delicate and contrasting strong color.

     Her works are in private collections and can be seen at Artisans in Lexington, VA.