About

Ellen Carlisle has been drawing since she could hold a pencil.  But it wasn’t until she stayed home to raise kids that she began exploring different media—stencil, calligraphy, faux painting, etc.  She began playing with oils in CPCC’s adult-ed classes.  When she and her husband bought a business just prior to the ’08 recession, her friend, Andy Braitman, suggested she relieve the stress by taking classes at his studio.  What a Godsend!  She couldn’t get enough—color mixing, portraits, landscape, bring it!

In addition to four years of painting with Andy, Ellen has attended workshops with other renowned artists, most notably, Connie Winters. In 2015 Ellen’s Autumn in Napa was Charlotte Fine Art's First Place winner.

Ellen’s work is on display with the Guild of Charlotte Artists, the Matthews Artists Guild, and Arthouse-Charlotte.  Recently retired, she’ll be working diligently to expand that list. However, the painting that brings her most joy is done explicitly for a client from their photo.  “I don’t paint to ‘find myself’ on the canvas,” she explains.  “I prefer to paint with purpose, capture a favorite person, place, or periphery forever in that moment.”

Ellen lives with her husband, Kevin, in Charlotte, North Carolina.