"For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." - Isaiah 55:12
The Artist, Tradition, and the Untamed Shore
I am James Ellis, a contemporary realist oil painter whose work is rooted in the dramatic landscapes of Northern Minnesota, particularly the North Shore and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Drawing upon the tradition of 18th and 19th-century Realism and Naturalism, my paintings explore the wild and ever-changing beauty of the Lake Superior region.
My artistic journey began unexpectedly—sparked by a personal disability that opened the door to my profound passion for painting. Years of intimate observation along the rugged coastline have given me an intimate knowledge that translates into emotionally resonant works of art.
Technique, Preservation, and Philosophy
My technique is rooted in the tradition of careful observation and accurate representation. As an oil painter using the alla prima technique, my brush and palette knife transform the blank canvas into a visual short story, each stroke preserving a memory. I utilize this expressive approach to create unique, tangible textures that capture the raw, untamed nature of the landscape—from the textures of papery birch bark to the dynamic forms of the wave-worn geological history.
The Central Role of Preservation
Preservation is central to my work. I seek to document and preserve the irreplaceable nature of vanishing places, capturing scenes destined to be lost or forgotten. My featured pieces tell stories of Lake Superior's constant reshaping of the shoreline, highlighting both natural forces and human influence. In select works, I share Ojibwa oral traditions, emphasizing the significance of natural elements to their culture.
Through this blend of observational accuracy and expressive interpretation, my aim is to evoke a sense of awe and a deeper understanding of the natural world, inspiring viewers to cherish and protect this fragile natural scenery.
Media Coverage
To learn more about my personal journey and artistic process:
I was featured on PBS North’s Almanac North in June of 2025, sharing my unique eye for detail with a focus on preserving the past with my paintings.
I was featured on WDIO's "The Lift" in August of 2025, sharing more information about my personal art journey.
James Ellis WDIO - The Lift Interview
James Ellis PBS North Interview
Credentials and Recognition
My work has been recognized regionally and nationally, and my commitment to the Northern landscape is reflected in my professional dedication and exhibition history.
Awards & Associations
North Shore Artists League: President
First Place in the Opaque Category at the 2024 Artists of Minnesota Spring Exhibition & Conference (Duluth, MN).
Studied under: Susan Taylor Tredway
Select Exhibitions & Residencies
2025 Artist-in-Residence – Gunflint Trail Historical Society and Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center.
2025 Echoes of Wilderness, Water & Wonder Exhibition – Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery (Grand Marais, MN).
2025 The Art of Water – 3D Virtual Exhibition – Red Bluff Art Gallery (Red Bluff, CA).
2024 Fire, Earth, Air and Water – White Bear Center for the Arts (White Bear Lake, MN).
2023 Living on the Edge – The Phipps Center for the Arts (Hudson, WI).
2023 Season of Photography & Art at the Rock – Split Rock Lighthouse (Two Harbors, MN)
Public & Private Collections
My paintings are held in numerous private collections across the United States, with works placed in homes from Alaska to Rhode Island, and throughout the Upper Midwest.