Ellie Dean
"Through a fusion of abstract and realism, I explore emotion, resilience, and identity, inviting viewers to connect with the unseen stories we all carry. My portraits reflect the parts of ourselves we sometimes conceal. They’re a reminder to be kind to ourselves, to push through, and to celebrate our strength."
Ellie Dean is a self-taught contemporary artist whose emotionally charged works are inspired by personal experience, resilience, and the beauty of expression. Based in Hertfordshire, England, Ellie’s creative journey began with graphite and coloured pencils before she transitioned into oil and acrylic paints. She has been painting seriously for the last four years, during which time art has been a crucial outlet, helping her through periods of personal and physical hardship.
Her work is characterised by a bold fusion of abstraction and realism, often incorporating materials such as gold leaf, acrylic mediums, and textured pastes. Ellie approaches each piece as a chance to experiment, always open to new techniques that add layers of depth and meaning.
The human figure, particularly the face, serves as a central focus in her work. In many of her portraits, parts of the face are deliberately obscured. This recurring motif is deeply symbolic, reflecting Ellie’s own lived experience following a life-changing injury. These partial visibilities echo the emotions she once concealed and the challenges she continues to overcome. Her art is not only a form of self-expression but also a message of encouragement, reminding others to be kind to themselves and to embrace their journey with confidence and hope.
By exposing what is hidden and celebrating what remains, Ellie Dean creates art that is as vulnerable as it is empowering. She hopes that each viewer sees in her work a reflection of their own resilience and leaves feeling uplifted and inspired.
