Ellen Gunn paints atmospheric landscapes that explore emotional connections to tidelands, long fields and distant mountain ranges. Childhood on the Long Island sound and early summers in Maine anchors her strong affinity for coastal waters and the trails winding through them. The California landscape and travels through Italy and France all fill this inspiration. From her studio over looking the San Francisco Bay she follows each changing moment in the incoming weather. These dramatic moments infuse a mysterious aura of place. She wants to share with the viewer this escape to the hills and skies—that feeling of elation – experiencing the sky’s transformation and capturing those moments where fleeting effects of light, color, weather and time of year bring a freshness to savor. Each painting comes from and provides a sense of expansiveness and serenity.

Ellen was born in Rockville Center, New York. From an early age her father, William Neal Gunn, and her her uncle, Howard Arnold, had given her extensive artistic training. Both men were noted water-colorists and oil painters. Gunn received her BFA from The Parsons School of Design, where she had trained with Pat Steir, Kes Zapkus and William Clutz. After graduation she continued her studies at the School of Visual Arts, NYC and then studied printmaking in California at Kala Institute and at The California College of The Arts. Gunn’s many corporate and public collections include the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Alpha Pacific Corporation, the American Honda Motor Company, Briarmead Studios, Martin-Marietta, Northrop Aviation, Prudential Insurance, Hilton Hotels, Sutter Health, and Radisson Hotels. Her works have been exhibited throughout the country. Selected venues include The Channel 13 Auction, Parke-Bernet, NYC, Art Expo New York, Art Expo Los Angeles and numerous private collections.