THE DRAWING BOARD

The art and creative process of Ellen Bowles.  www.ellenbowles.com

[ellenthecreativela]

My latest work, beginning a new meditative project that is not just going to be good for the creative soul, but for the psyche as well.  Lots of line work, and time consumption, but very relaxing.  Working on 3 of 30! 

[ellenthecreativela]

Side eyeing the state of our country like....

[ellenthecreativela]

I did a major clean of my art materials recently.  When you have three art bins filled with things, it can be very difficult to organize and see what you have available to you.  Found this very old set of watercolor pencils that was gifted to me when I was in high school! I’ve barely touched them in the past, but I reacquainted myself with them recently.

[ellenthecreativela]

I realize it’s been quite some time since I’ve posted new work, and I have quite a few new ones to share! This one I did of Solange very shortly after her SNL performance at the end of 2016.  “A Seat at the Table” is such a brilliant and stunning album.  She looked just as stunning with her amazing natural hair crown, created by the very talented Shani Crowe! 

[ellenthecreativela]

Hello everyone!

I did some illustrative artwork for a very cool app, Beyond Books. They will be having a live reading and music event to celebrate the launch of Tales of the Underworld on October 23rd! Tickets are $7 and can be purchased through the Facebook event page.

Make sure to download the app and purchase "Tales of the Underworld" before the event so you can read along and explore the art for yourself. I hope to see you there! 💛

[ellenthecreativela]

Ahh your art work is absolutely gorgeous thank you for sharing your talent with us

Thank you so much for your message! I hope I’m not responding super late, as for some reason my inbox did not give me a notification.  But your kind words mean so much, THANK YOU for all your support, it means everything to me.  

[elliebfierce]

Iridescent paint is my new favorite thing, and for once I put in a background ✨

#art #mixedmedia #tonedpaper #portraitdrawing #naturalhair #braids #blackwomenart #blackwomenartists #afropunk #aftoart #painting #ombre (at Silver Lake, Los Angeles)

[ellenthecreativela]

Video of my painting hitting all it’s beautiful angles! 

[ellenthecreativela]

She’s done! And for once I actually used a background.  

[ellenthecreativela]

Almost done with this piece! I’m pretty excited with how it’s turning out.  Now if only I could think of a good background for her....

[elliebfierce]

D'Angelo, painting, perfect Friday vibes ✨ #wip #acrylicpainting #mixedmedia #art #instaart #instaartist #blackwomenart #blackwomenartists #afropunk (at Silver Lake, Los Angeles)

[ellenthecreativela]

My work, since Tumblr decided that this video violated their terms and agreements for some stupid reason, here’s a reblog of my latest piece’s progress from my personal blog.  

[ellenthecreativela]

Challenging myself to work bigger, so I began a drawing on 19.5x20.5″ brown paper.  I subconsciously chose the most complicated hairstyle for such a big space, but it started off better than I expected.  

[ellenthecreativela]

Day 2 with this lady.  I hope everyone is enjoying their Labor Day weekend! Mine has been spent creating and barely leaving my house, just how I like it.  

[ellenthecreativela]

When a quick morning sketch becomes a full on obsession.  I guess I’m not going to be done with her as quickly as I thought! 

[ellenthecreativela]

Hello Tumblr family!

August was such a hectic month for me.  I’ve been busy looking for a new job and I also traveled to NYC for my second Afropunk.  I came back to LA feeling ready to throw myself back into my art, fully inspired. My project list is only getting longer and I cannot wait to get started! 

[ellenthecreativela]

I didnt have much time to draw these past two weeks, preparing for the art show.  Finally was able to spend some much needed quality time with my sketchbook today!

[ellenthecreativela]

Last Thursday, I participated in my first art showcase EVER.  I’m officially a RAW artist, and can now participate in any of their upcoming shows in any city.

This show meant so much to me on professional level as well as a personal level.  It was amazing seeing how well received my work was to complete strangers.  I was greeted with so many encouraging words, and lots of sales.  It’s great motivation to know that my work has an audience and that it can do well with my perseverance behind it.  

I’ve never spoken to people about my work before, because I have always been insecure about it in the past.  This year has been an amazing, and challenging growing experience for me.  I have grown so much artistically, creatively, and spiritually.  This is only the beginning for even better experiences and more challenges! But I will achieve everything I set my mind to, it is all tangible.  

[ellenthecreativela]

HELLO TUMBLR FAM!

If any of you are located in Los Angeles, I will be a featured artist at Raw Hollywood REVEAL on July 14th at Boulevard3.  The showcase wil feature visual artists, musicians, hair and make up artists, jewelry designers, and a fashion show.  Purchase tickets by July 7th!

The ticket link is here:

http://www.rawartists.org/artbyellenbowles

Thank you, and I hope to see some of you there <3