Ellis draws direct inspiration from the environment around her in the Isle of Skye
Ellis O'Connor graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design in Dundee with a master's degree in fine art in 2015, marking the beginning of a creative journey deeply connected to landscape and environment. Since graduating, she has established herself as a full-time artist, living and working from her home studio on the Isle of Skye where the surrounding environment provides direct inspiration for her distinctive work.
Arctic Explorations and Global Residencies
Ellis has immersed herself in diverse landscapes through numerous art residencies worldwide. Most notably, she was one of just ten artists globally selected for the annual Arctic Circle Expedition in 2022, which involved circumnavigating the archipelago of Svalbard in the High Arctic. Her creative journey has also included teaching in Iceland and participating in residencies across Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Norway, and Venice. These experiences have profoundly influenced her approach to capturing landscapes, allowing her to develop a unique artistic perspective informed by varied environments.
Artistic Vision and Exhibition Success
For the past seven years, Ellis has dedicated herself to her artistic practice, creating contemporary landscape paintings that are not literal representations but emotional responses to the environment around her. Using mixed materials and various tools, she creates expressive and gestural interpretations that capture the energy, atmosphere, and fleeting moments of elemental weather. Her work connects viewers to the power and emotion of the landscape, transcending simple visual representation to evoke deeper feelings. Ellis exhibits widely throughout Scotland and beyond, with numerous gallery representations showcasing her work year-round, including solo exhibitions at venues such as Eilean Iarmain on Skye, Annan Gallery in Glasgow, and Talla Na Mara on Harris.