I’ve loved painting and drawing since I was a kid. I loved especially to do it on the dining table where I wasn’t supposed to and I even won a few art contests in elementary school. Though no one made me, I prayed every night before bed.
I picked up a paintbrush again at 22. My first painting was of Jesus at the Last Supper. It sold for $275 at the Steamboat Catholic Church Art Gallery, and 60% of the money went back to the church.
I kept making saint paintings, landscapes, pet portraits, and more, giving most of it away. I gifted pieces, donated some, and sold others. One of the pieces people ask for the most is “Welcome Home.” My style has changed a lot over the years, especially with my Saint paintings.
My first market was at my church. I had one table, sold almost everything, and left with over $700. Later I opened an Etsy shop under Nani & Papa’s Art Shop (Ellie’s Easel). It’s at over 100 sales now and ships all over the world. This spring that same church asked to sell my paintings in their gift shop, and I personalized a 38 of them for kids’ baptisms and First Communions.
I’ve spent a lot of Friday nights packing orders on the living room floor. My cat chewed the corner of a painting the night before a market once, so frustrated, I cut it out and kept going. Still painting, still packing, and so grateful.
Thank you for being here supporting my journey! I hope you find some love to take home with you.
—Ellie