Portraiture and Scenic Commissions
'Every child begins the world again.' - Henry David Thoreau
I love bringing memorable scenes and portraits of loved ones and their animal friends to life, or both all in one painting, like "Always Your Friend," shown above in part.
I cut my painting teeth drawing family pets, my sisters, and not least, my favorite subject, horses, for the sheer joy of it. Through constantly working to improve and referring to a lot of "How to..." books, I learned the basics of fine art; proportion, dimension, perspective, shading and other drawing and painting skills. I first sold a painting, prompted by my high school art teacher, to another art class student who fell in love with it.
What I learned from early comments of my work was priceless, that I was capturing not mere likenesses, but the spirit of my subjects in a way that brings two-dimensional works of art to life. That is why to this day, all of my work is created entirely freehand, relying on traditional draftsmanship and observation, to bring canvases and drawings to life.
Annual Availability
To ensure each custom painting receives the highest level of care, detail, and artistic integrity, I limit my schedule to just four commissions per calendar year.
- Tailored Investment: Pricing is calculated based on the size, medium, and complexity of the artwork. I utilize a sliding scale to ensure a fair and structured investment for every collector.
- Complimentary Consultations: To provide an accurate, firm quote, we will need to discuss the core details of your project. All initial consultations—and follow-up discussions once a project begins—are completely free.
How to begin:
The best way to begin is with a personal consultation to review your photographs and discuss your vision. We can meet in person at the studio or arrange a detailed phone call with followup emailed photographs if you are out of the area.
- Phone: (302) 539-3405
- Note: You are always welcome to stop by during regular studio hours. However, to ensure I can step away from the easel and give you my full attention, booking an appointment is highly recommended.
Feel free to ask questions. Every inquiry is held in strict confidence, and there is never any obligation when reaching out. I look forward to answering your questions and discussing how we can bring your vision to life.
All images below are commissioned works
At top, several scenic commissions
"Golden Rhapsody," oil on canvas, private collection. I was inspired to paint this scene when a client approached me about purchasing it. It is now in a home in northern Delaware. Limited edition giclee reproductions are available.
Beebe Healthcare Commission Award for SouthCoastal Cancer Treatment Center Lobby in Millville, Delaware.
"Tranquility," 72" x 36" oil on canvas
At right is "Sea Glass Beach," a 36" x 36" oil on gallery-wrapped canvas.
This was a private commission of a secluded beach on Abaco Island in the Bahamas, painted from a small photograph provided by the collector and further research into the microbiologic structure of the coral cliffs.
Bits of sea glass from this beach were incorporated into the painting in the places where the clients found them.
Below: "You Raise Me Up... so I can stand on mountains". The name was inspired by the song produced by Secret Garden. The painting is a 52" wide private commission precisely sized to fit an exact space using measurements and photographic mockups via email A sunset photograph by the client of the view from Cowee Overlook in the Blue Ridge Mountains was the inspiration.
Below, a Few Examples of People Portraits in Oils, Pastels and Pencil
Click images to see larger and/or read the paintings' stories
Above, pencil sketch on paper of Albert Einstein.
Above is Maggie, commissioned by her grandfather, in pencil and white chalk on grey Canson paper.
"Maggie's portrait looked more like her than the photo Ellen Rice was given. We love it!" - Maggie's father.
Above is a pencil drawing of a close friend's daughter learning to ride in Zambia.
Ellen has been painting Animal Portraits since a small child
"We asked Ellen to paint a picture of our three dogs with our backyard setting.
It came out so lifelike that it looks like a photograph ~ only better ~ because she captured their three separate personalities. We couldn't be happier. I highly recommend anyone who is thinking of getting a portrait or any other painting done to get in touch with Ellen. She is amazing!" -- R. Raab
The smiles say it. They love the portrait of their "Three Musketeers"
"Abby". portrait in oils of a client's dog who had passed on. When she saw it, she took the painting off the easel and held it to her chest sobbing.
"When we let Maximillian (above) into the room where we'd just had his portrait hung. He ran over to it barking and raised up and put his paws on the frame and woofed again.... It looked so real he thought it was another dog." - J. Geiting, Wilmington, Delaware.
At left is Gracie. Those who frequented Farmer Girl Exotic Gardens in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, may have been greeted by Gracie sitting at the counter. Sadly, Gracie and her owner have both passed, but family has this memory.