Ellen Howard: From Venture Capital to Landscape Painting

Boise-based landscape painter Ellen Howard transitioned from a venture capital career to full-time art after an invitation to an oil painting class reignited her passion. Working primarily in oils and gouache, she is known for tranquil depictions of nature, water, and luminous skies. Howard began painting seriously in 2012-2014, taking classes and workshops, and eventually gained gallery representation at Carmel Fine Art in Carmel and Holton Studio Gallery in Berkeley. She emphasizes time management, relationship-building, and consistent newsletter marketing as key to her success. Howard is vice president of the California Art Club and a guest contributor to Plein Air Magazine. Upcoming events include a gouache workshop in Sun Valley in April, the California Gold Medal Show in June, a teaching workshop in the French Alps in June, and the Brinton Museum Invitational in Wyoming in the fall.