About Ellen

It is the beauty of her home state of Oklahoma that inspires Tulsa-based artist Ellen Frihart.  After a career in business and years as a stay-at-home mom, she made the decision to go back to college to study art, her life-long dream. Along with her fine arts degree she attends workshops and classes whenever possible to keep herself growing and challenged as an artist. Working in oils, acrylics and watercolor, she never finds a shortage of inspiration from her Oklahoma surroundings.  She is especially fascinated by her hometown of Bartlesville, Oklahoma-its history and its connection to the oil industry. A bright and bold use of color is characteristic in her painting style as well as stark contrast and an interesting use of negative space.

"I am fascinated with light and its affect on everything it touches. It was the Impressionist painters and their ability to capture the emotion and beauty of a moment through the use of light and color that have inspired me to be an artist. My experience has been in watercolor, acrylics and oil paints.  Through the technique of multi-layering I have experienced the excitement of capturing a moment when the light emerges from beneath the surface. I am greatly inspired by my two daughters and collaborators, Rosie and Ruthie. I also find inspiration in sunsets and reflection on water, architecture, and the rolling hills of my home state of Oklahoma. I am always mesmerized at how shadows and reflected light can breathe life into a composition. I truly believe that anything can be beautiful with the gift of the right amount of light."

Many of the works featured here are available for purchase.  To contact Ellen with any comments, purchasing inquiries, or otherwise, please click here.

My two most important, cherished and appreciated sources of inspiration.

Left: Ruthie, watercolor on paper, 12"x18"  2007

Right: Rosie, acrylic on canvas, 12"x18" 2006