Ella Nilsson
Painting, Drawing
Ella Nilsson is a portrait and figurative artist born to artist parents. Raised in northern New Jersey, and also in her father’s native Tehran, Iran, she currently resides in Austin, TX, where she has lived and worked since 2007. Ella holds Bachelor’s degrees in both Fine Art and Criminal Justice/Pre-Law. Since 2008, Ella has showcased her artwork in numerous group and solo exhibitions in Austin. Beyond her artwork, Ella enjoys home improvement projects, aviation, documentaries, and cats.
Artist’s statement
As a painter and illustrator, Ella Nilsson explores the captivating nuances of the human face, using mostly grayscale to define forms and expressions. Contrast has been a recurring theme in her work, rooted back to the contrasting landscapes and different cultures in her upbringing. Her work leverages into the interplay of light and shadow to uncover the hidden aspects to her viewers. Working primarily on wood panels, Ella integrates the natural beauty of the wood grain into her composition. While she utilizing photographs as references, she also embraces artistic license to create unique interpretations.
Working in a series allows Ella more freedom within the creative boundaries she sets for herself. For the viewer, the experience is akin to individual songs comprising an album. Her Shady Ladies Series delves into the interplay of cast shadows and faces. The Extra Shady Edition introduces an additional layer of shadows with hats. The Convex Edition adds a window of color into a grayscale world. To further emphasize that contrast, she employs a mix of media, working with both acrylic and colored pencil.
Art Tour Stop 17: Hangar Art Studios
Glass Bottle
Mare Nubian
Mare Serenitatis
So Predictable, I Know What You're Thinking