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Dorothy Riley Ellis
Murrells Inlet, SC
"To me it seems that I do my best work when the subject matter is dear and familiar. Because it is familiar it is evocative of past experiences and the whole range of emotions aroused. As a farm kid I have images of such beauty forever planted in my sub-conscience that they naturally rise to the surface when I paint a similar sight.
Just to be a bit contrary, I also do some of my best work when I go to my easel and 'let it all hang out'.
Often would-be artists will say to me, 'Oh, I've always wanted to be able to paint like that.' My personal belief is that if the desire is there so is the gift. So I ask if they wanted to drive when they were young. Of course the answer is yes. Then I ask if they got in a race car the first day and drove the Indy 500. They smile. The next step is to encourage them to look for a beginners class and learn the skills.
Maybe they will remember my advice someday and learn to express themselves as joyfully as I do. I hope so."
- Dorothy Riley Ellis
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