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When Things Don't Go According to Plan
I am a planner. I always have been. Despite my longing to be more like friends I admire who can change course at the blink of an eye, that's just not how I was wired. I circle dates on the calendar. I make lists. I create things for months in anticipation of a particular moment. I imagine how it will feel when all that preparation finally comes together. But then sometimes, no matter how much I've planned - it just doesn't. This summer, I spent months preparing for what was s

Ellen Brenneman
Aug 232 min read


Let's Meet in the Middle
I had my very first holiday market of the season recently, and let me tell you, nothing prepares you for the moment when a whole crowd of people walks by your artwork all at once. You suddenly get this unfiltered, real-time feedback loop. Some comments make you laugh, some make you think, and some just stick with you. I’m used to creating in the quiet of my studio. It’s just me, my paints, and whatever music (or silence) I’m in the mood for. So to suddenly have a crowd move t

Ellen Brenneman
Nov 14, 20253 min read


Discovering the Signs: A Look Into My Latest Series, The Zodiacs
Whether you're a total astrology buff or just know your sun sign because of a meme or magazine quiz, chances are you know something about the zodiac. It sneaks into our everyday lives in the most casual ways. Maybe it’s your personality traits being called out in a funny horoscope, or someone saying, “Of course you’re a Leo!” at a party. Even those who don’t necessarily believe in astrology often enjoy its symbolic language. That’s part of why I was drawn to create my series

Ellen Brenneman
Aug 30, 20253 min read


When Moths Are Spirit Messengers: A Lesson in Being Present
Lately, I’ve had an unusual houseguest… moths. It started with wardrobe moths in my bedroom closet. In early June of this year, I began noticing these tiny intruders fluttering from corner to corner, week after week. Then, I began noticing tiny holes in some of my favorite clothes. I tried the usual deterrents: adding cedar between articles of clothing; it did not phase them one bit. As a last resort, I tore apart the entire closet with my husband, installed a new system, and

Ellen Brenneman
Aug 20, 20253 min read


Embracing Self-Kindness in Our Creative Journeys
Art isn't always about output, and life isn't either. You're not behind, you're just on a different rhythm, and that's okay.

Ellen Brenneman
Aug 15, 20253 min read


How to choose art that speaks to you (and why it matters)
We all know that art can brighten up a wall, but the right piece can do so much more than that. It can comfort, inspire, and remind us of...

Ellen Brenneman
Jul 22, 20254 min read


What your favorite animal might be telling you, and why you should listen
Have you ever found yourself drawn to a particular animal over and over again? Maybe you’ve always loved owls, or you've discovered that you can't get enough of foxes on mugs, T-shirts, or in your art collection. It might feel like a coincidence, but as an artist that spent 5 years painting and researching spirit animals, I believe there’s more to it. I’ve come to think of these creatures not just as subjects, but as symbols. They often reflect something we need, something we

Ellen Brenneman
Jul 11, 20253 min read


The Joy of Whimsy: Why we need playful art in a serious world.
Let’s be real—life can get heavy sometimes. Between the never-ending to-do lists and the weight of the world right now, it’s easy to forget to pause, smile, and soak up something that simply feels light. That's where whimsical art comes in. I believe there’s something magical about a colorful bear sitting on a boulder, or a bunny with an earful of daisies. It’s not just about being “cute” (though I’m very pro-cute!) It's about tapping into that part of us that still believes

Ellen Brenneman
Jul 6, 20252 min read


Creative Solutions for Placing Art When Your Walls Are Full
Art is more than just decoration; it speaks to your soul. It expresses your life, joy, and story. If you’ve ever felt torn between your love for art and a lack of space to display it, you’re not alone. This is a common dilemma. However, your connection to art doesn’t have to end there. Now might be the perfect time to reimagine how you surround yourself with the things you love. Connecting with Other Artists Every time I do a show, I connect with other artists and often come

Ellen Brenneman
Jun 29, 20253 min read


Spirit Animals: Insights from a 5 Year Series
Have you ever felt an inexplicable connection to an animal? For many, the concept of spirit animals sparks a deep curiosity that resonates on multiple levels. When I finished painting my Spirit Animal series in 2018, it had made a significant impact on my life. I didn’t just learn about their symbolism; I discovered how they can guide us towards personal growth and self-understanding. I thought I'd share the insights I've gained from my journey and offer tips on how you can

Ellen Brenneman
Jun 26, 20253 min read


How I Overcame My Creative Block and Rediscovered My Artistic Flow
As an artist, staring at a blank piece of watercolor paper can be frustrating. Of the 12+ years I've been painting full time, I have faced this challenge as my creative energy seemed to vanish. It felt as if a wall had been built around my imagination. When I finally broke through, I not only discovered techniques to fuel my creativity but also gained insights about who I am as an artist. Understanding Creative Block Creative block is an obstacle that all artists deal with at

Ellen Brenneman
Jun 19, 20253 min read


Why Comparing Your Art Against Others Can Hold You Back
In the world of art, it is all too easy to slip into the habit of comparing my creative journey with that of others. Social media is...

Ellen Brenneman
Jun 15, 20253 min read


The Power of Narratives in Visual Art
Visual art has an incredible ability to communicate stories without uttering a single word. From ancient cave paintings to contemporary...

Ellen Brenneman
Jun 12, 20252 min read


How to Find Creativity in Everyday Life
Finding creativity in everyday life can sometimes feel overwhelming. You might think that it only exists in the studio of an artist or...

Ellen Brenneman
Jun 7, 20254 min read


Finding Inspiration: Completing the last painting in my Zodiac series
As an artist, inspiration can be a tricky, elusive thing. Sometimes it comes quickly, and other times, it’s like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. The latter was my experience while working on the 12th and final painting in my zodiac series: Scorpio. For weeks, I struggled to come up with an idea that felt right. Like my previous paintings, I wanted to create something true to Scorpio so it was important to capture the transformative, passionate, and mysterious ener

Ellen Brenneman
Jan 1, 20252 min read
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