About the artist

Ellen Isenson, originally from Chicago, attended Washington University in St. Louis, Northwestern University in Illinois, and completed her studies at Denver University in Colorado. After moving to Los Angeles, Ellen pursued her interest in art and design, working extensively in the interior design, textile, and furniture industries. Subsequently, she focused on studio art studies. Her artwork combines mixed media – drawing, painting, photography, cold wax and encaustic.  Ellen’s artwork is now included in the following collections: Clare and Anthony Chapman (London, England and Palm Desert, CA), Wilma and Bert Finmark (Palm Desert, CA) Alison and Jason Wyrick (Denver, CO), Bradley and Lynda Metzger (Santa Monica, CA), Noreen and Allen Rubin (Coconut Grove, FL) and Ashley and Joel Nation (Van Nuys, CA), Linda Struther (Mercer Island,WA), Gerald and Lisa Friedman (Los Angeles,CA ). Ellen Isenson is a Founder and Corporate Benefactor of MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles)

Artist Statement

My paintings have evolved  over time. Earlier versions were done on paper and referenced the work of other artists. Figures emerged as my primary subject: images of family and friends expanded to include strangers caught in the act of being themselves.  Travel is an important aspect of my life. I have traveled extensively, always photographing my unsuspecting traveling companions and the native people, trying to capture nuances of interactions, observing both unique characteristics and the commonality of people from different cultures. These photographs become the basis for my art. People are taken out of context and united on my canvas with stenciled pattern motifs that although modified, frequently signify some aspect of their culture. The large-scale paintings on hard surfaces and subject matter reference murals. Abstract work reflects my love of repeated patterns in textiles.