Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Eagle.
Hi Ellen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been drawing since age 4, and was recognized at that extremely young age for having ability. My parents and brother were completely supportive and encouraging. My parents enrolled me in art classes at the local museum when I was 4. When I was 10, my mother took me to the Art Students League of NY children’s class. When I was 12, my brother discovered the High School of Music and Art and when I came of age, he drove me to the entrance exam, and waited outside until I had completed the test. I returned to study at the Art Students League as an adult, I have now been an Instructor there for twenty years.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has mostly been a very smooth road. My Art Students League Teacher, Harvey Dinnerstein, recommended to the administration that they hire me as an Instructor; Forum Gallery saw my work in an exhibit at the National Academy Museum, sought me out and offered to represent me; Watson-Guptill Publishers invited me to write a book about pastel, which became Pastel Painting Atelier. I give workshops in the U.S. and abroad. The biggest struggles I have had were when Covid made it impossible to have models come to my studio to sit for me, and then I developed some serious health problems, which made it impossible to work. I am just now regaining the strength to be at my easel.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My focus is on portraiture. People tell me that they see a strong emotionality in my paintings – all done in pastel- and a heightened sensitivity to the expression of light.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I must have been 2 or 3 years of age. I was standing in my crib when my brother came home from school. He reached into my crib to hug me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elleneagleportraits.com
Image Credits
Artwork- Peter Jacobs Fine Art Photography
Personal Photo – Gordon Leavitt