About Ellen Harney

 I am a Plein Air Painter who strives to capture the light and atmosphere that speaks of the stillness of a place and moment in time. As an artist I pursue the path of excellence and beauty. During the long winter nights the plein air pieces become inspiration to create larger studio paintings.

I began painting at the age of 26 while working at the University of Pennsylvania. As part of a research team I lived part time in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. One evening in 1989 I witnessed, for the first time, the Aurora Borealis which began my journey to Fairbanks, Alaska. Fairbanks is world renowned for viewing the Aurora. I arrived in Alaska in September 1991 met my beloved husband Michael and have never left. We are treated to the beauty of the Aurora on Alaska's long cold nights.

My paintings have been displayed in juried exhibitions from Pennsylvania to California and Alaska. I have been blessed to participate in both solo and group shows. I have been a recipient of 1% for Art Awards in Alaska. One of my great joys has been participating in the Alaska Artist in Schools program, sharing my love of painting with children of all ages. I have had the privlidge of being juried into several Oil Painters of America Exhibitions. A hope and dream is to someday become a signature member of Oil Painters of America.

I recieved my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Moore College of Art in Pennsylvania in 1989 and have gone on to study in the great outdoors, seeking the music of light and atmosphere in my paintings.

What remains close in my heart and thoughts as I begin to paint are two scriptures from Deuteronomy:
"Know this day and keep it in your heart, that the Lord He is God in heaven above and the earth. To the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens and all that is in the earth." (chapters 4 and 10)

My help to portray the beauty of the heavens and earth in paint, comes from the Lord who made them.

Nothing describes my experience while painting outdoors better than the verse of this hymn written by Stuart K. HIne in 1953.

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander, and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees. When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur and see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou Art.

Afternoon Thunder
8 x 6
Oil on Canvas