This page shows developing oil paintings and
also finished paintings going through multiple stages of progress,
from bare canvas to finished work of art to illustrate the process.

I usually keep several paintings going at the same time, using an oil glazing
method that requires up to two or three days of drying time between glazes.

Each glaze is planned well in advance with the objective of creating
lifelike luminosity and interesting color changing properties
where desired under different lighting situations.

My method is very similar to the methods used by the old masters. 
It takes far more time than alla prima or plein air oils, but I feel
the results are worth the time. I hope you do, too.

"I apologize for the lack of recent additions. 
Private commissions that I don't show and the gallery's recent move have kept me from posting.
I'm painting daily again and new updates are coming soon!" ~ Ellen

A 6" x 8" oil on a very finely textured Belgium linen panel
​develops into one of my favorite new pieces, Sunlit Sonata

An 11" x 14" oil on canvas starts to get roughed out

12" x 12" Tortie European Burmese kitten commission

Click the arrows to see some of the stages of this oil portrait.

A local water scene begins

Still in the crude stages, but showing promise. As you'll see, some paintings are chameleons.

The stages of "Summer on the Shore" (Sold), oil on Belgium linen
You can see the completed painting and purchase prints here .

The Little Oak That Could
Oil on Belgium linen panel. (Yes, there is a story.)

​A study in contrasts and reflections

The setting sun gilds branches, softly mirrored in a freshwater pond

Portrait commission
Sometimes there are no photos that show a departed loved one as you'd like to remember them.
Here, a number of photos were used to recreate a favorite memory of  a couple's late fur child.


"​At Water's Edge"

Paintings are often windows into places and the artist's thoughts as they paint.
​I might have called this one "cathedral".


​19" x 25" pastel "Radiance" in progress
This painting was originally to have been unveiled last year.
A health problem due to breathing pastel dust put it on hold. It will appear here when completed. 
​Take care to not breathe in pastel dust when painting with them.

Nor'easter Blowing

 See the progress of this 9" x 12" seascape from start to signed finish. Sold.

"Roxy" family portrait

Captions explain the process step by step as this 11" x 14" oil painting takes shape.