Ellen Rolli is a contemporary American painter, using materials and colors instinctively to interpret subject and emotion in an abstract way.
A graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art, Ellen majored in Art Education with a minor in Painting. In 2009, as a Copley Society of Art artist member, Ellen was awarded a month-long artist residency at the historic Fine Arts Work Center of Provincetown.
Ellen works from her studio in Melrose Massachusetts, painting colorful, textural, intuitive works on canvas and paper.
Works by Ellen Rolli
Still Life Against Yellow Ochre, 8 x 6in - $450
Striped Vessel w/ Pink Petunia, 8 x 6in - $450
Textured Vessel w/ Hibiscus, 12 x 12in - $950
Vessel w/ Rose of Sharon, 8 x 6in - $450
Vessel w/ Stems Off White, 12 x 9in - $850
Vessel Tops, 20 x 24in - $2,000
Striped Vessel, 12 x 9in - $850
Contemporary Vessel & Floral 16 x 12in - $1,150
• Vessel w/ Flowering Plant - SOLD
• Three Vessels w/ Dogwood - SOLD
• Whimsy - SOLD
• Vessel w/ Geo Rose - SOLD
• Spring Palette Vessels - SOLD
• Porcelain Vessel w/ Dark Pink - SOLD
• Vessel w/ Pink Bellflower - SOLD
• Vessel w/ Tulip on Checkered Cloth - SOLD
• Vessel Styles - SOLD
• Clay Jug - SOLD
• Vintage Jug - SOLD
• Round Vessel - SOLD
Get to Know Ellen Rolli
What currently inspires your art?
As an avid hiker and nature walker, colors and textures along the paths and trails, often inspire my work. Currently, as flowers of all kinds are blooming, that natural beauty informs and inspires my Vessel with Floral series, for sure!
How would you describe your work to a first time viewer?
I would describe my ongoing series as contemporary still life. My works are mostly imagined but inspired by my love of pottery and flowers. I interpret and suggest the essence of my subject simply, adding interest with a unique palette, texture, and mark making.
Your favorite museums?
In the US - the MFA, as it’s close to home, MoMA, The Whitney, and Portland Museum of Art. I was fortunate to visit many acclaimed museums in Europe but my favorite experience was visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice.
Artist’s Satement
For me, the unknowns of the process make for a journey of self-discovery and a more meaningful painting experience.” - Edward Corbett
"As a contemporary painter, I am interested in interpreting subject and emotion in an abstract, intuitive way. The process, daring paint application, color, texture, and the element of discovery inspire me.
In my process, I use materials instinctively. This allows more freedom, more risk-taking. As a painting evolves, I react to the dialogue between us. I do not search for the literal truth of subject; I seek an expressive, personal interpretation."
- Ellen Rolli
Ellen’s Studio Tour
Read through Ellen Rolli’s thoughtful artist Q&A and browse photos of her colorful Melrose, MA studio outside of Boston.