James Ellis
James Ellis was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1961, and currently lives in Duluth, Minnesota.
James Ellis is a realist oil painter whose work captures the wild and ever- changing beauty of Northern Minnesota, a region defined by the vast expanse of Lake Superior and the dense, boreal forests that hug its rugged shoreline. His paintings explore the essence of this unique landscape, meticulously rendering the textures of papery birch bark, the dynamic play of light on the often turbulent waters of Lake Superior, and the grandeur of towering, wave-worn sea stacks, dramatic arches, and rugged cliffs, revealing the dynamic geological history of the North Shore.
Ellis is particularly drawn to the ever-changing drama of the North Shore skies, capturing their many moods with remarkable sensitivity. He paints skies that churn with the raw energy of an approaching storm, where dark, textured clouds hint at the untamed power of nature, their reflections rippling across the turbulent waters of Lake Superior. But he also finds beauty in the serene expanse above the lake, where soft, diffused clouds, streaked with hints of warm hues near the horizon, paint a tranquil power and quiet majesty upon the water's surface. Whether turbulent or serene, the skies in his paintings are never merely a backdrop; they are a vital presence, their moods and movements shaping the very essence of the North Shore landscape.
A disability unexpectedly opened the door to Ellis's artistic expression, revealing his passion for painting. Years of exploring the North Shore have given him an intimate knowledge that translates into emotionally resonant works of art. Through careful observation and a patient, detailed approach, he conveys the atmosphere and distinct character of each location. Through his art, Ellis invites viewers to experience the untamed beauty and captivating nature of the North Shore as he does, fostering a deeper appreciation for this remarkable region. His paintings are more than just representations of a place; they are an invitation to connect with its very soul.
Education
Studied under: Susan Taylor Tredway
Professional Associations & Organizations
North Shore Artists League
Artists of Minnesota
Awards
First Place in the Opaque Category at the 2024 Artists of Minnesota Spring Exhibition & Conference in Duluth, Minnesota.
Selected Exhibitions
2024 Fire, Earth, Air and Water - White Bear Center for the Arts, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
2024 The Phipps Enriching Arts Program - Croixdale Chapel, Bayport, Minnesota
2024 Past and Present - State Historic Theater, Ely, Minnesota
2024 Past and Present - Tettegouche State Park Visitor Center, Silver Bay, Minnesota
2024 Hygge - Warmth of Winter - Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, Grand Marais, Minnesota
2024 Northern Landscapes Group Exhibition - MacRostie Art Center Reif Gallery, Grand Rapids, Minnesota
2024 20/20 Lake Superior Art & Studio Tour, Two Harbors, Minnesota
2023 Living on the Edge - The Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson, Wisconsin
2023 Season of Photography & Art at the Rock, Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, Minnesota
2023 Spirit of the Arts - Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, Grand Marais, Minnesota
Private Collection, Anchorage, Alaska
Private Collection, Grand Marais, Minnesota
Private Collection, St. Paul, Minnesota
Private Collection, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Private Collection, Duluth, Minnesota
Private Collection, Bemidji, Minnesota
Private Collection, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Private Collection, Fairbanks, Alaska
Private Collection, South Range, Wisconsin
Private Collection, Leavenworth, Washington
Private Collection, Iowa City, Iowa
Private Collection, Newport, Rhode Island
Private Collection, Polk City, Iowa