(text from the article): Dana Ellyn, Painter

No stranger to the Hill Rag, Dana’s portrait of a dog in a pearl necklace graced the cover of the Hill Rag’s July edition back in 2017, and she continues the tradition with this month’s cover. “One of my big breakthroughs as an artist was with my work on animal rights,” says Dana. “I love animals and find painting them is like a breath of fresh air, a palate cleanser for me.”

Like many artists, Dana started her art career as a sideline before she took the dive into being a full-time artist in 2001. “I won the artist lottery when I was able to buy my live/work space across from the Martin Luther King Library in 2003 as part of a DC cultural development project,” says Dana. She and fellow artist Matt share the space with each carving out their own studio space.

Dana paints from photos, but only those that touch her imagination and spirit. “I often see a photo of a dog or cat, and know I want to paint it,” she says. She takes a storytelling approach to her paintings and often captures current events. A recent painting of the Running of the Chihuahuas at the Wharf featured a chihuahua favorite of Dana’s, a rescue. “I also create special commissions of pets, and some are produced for some of my favorite charity and animal sanctuary groups,” Dana says.

To see Dana’s work, a lot more than just pets, check out www.danaellyn.com or email her dana@danaellyn.com.

Rindy O’Brien explores local art and artists. Contact her at rindyobrien@gmail.com

All of my HillRag covers!