This website is dedicated to the memory of its main champion, co-creator and dear friend, cousin and daily mentor
for nearly a decade, Chris Thackray, who went on his next "fun adventure" on 31 July, 2026.
This is a new website . . .
Though it looks similar to our old site, there are engineering differences and we are still doing minor tweaks. Please excuse our dust! We hope that you enjoy this brighter site with larger, clearer images of Ellen's and other artisans' works, and let us know your thoughts about it. Ellen's desire is for her site to be easy to navigate, make purchases ~ and enjoy.
Note to International clients:
Our website cannot accurately calculate international shipping with the present continuously changing customs. Please email or call us for an exact quote. It is our understanding that most artwork is exempt from customs, but it is different for different countries, so we want to be double sure.
Note to those who haven't visited in awhile . . . please click here for our location
About artist and gallery owner Ellen Rice
Ellen Rice is an acclaimed professional artist working from her longtime home and studio in southeastern Delaware about a mile in from the Atlantic Ocean.
She has been painting since a small child, winning her first statewide award in grade school, selling her first oil painting to a fellow art student as a teen, beginning what was to become a strong following nationally, then globally.
Today, Ellen is considered one of the mid-Atlantic's most collected fine artists. Her paintings and fine art reproductions can be found in private homes, offices, government and corporate collections throughout the United States and in 18 countries on four continents.
"Light is at the center of my paintings. A friend once told me to always be aware of what I was thinking when painting, that people viewing the work will feel it. Each brush stroke carries the thoughts and feelings behind it. It's what brings smiles to people's faces and speaks to the heart.
Above, a portion of Ellen's oil painting, "Enchanted Moment." The painting was inspired by memories of family days at the beach and the peaceful time toward the end when the crowds have left and you have the beach all to yourself. of a good summer day spent
"Whether painting a glowing ocean sunrise, the light in a child's eyes, a vision seen in prayer, or a tiny songbird on a flowering tree branch, I endeavor to always approach my easel with calmness and peace, and release my paintings with the hope that all viewing them will not only enjoy their beauty, but feel the peace and be uplifted."
The painting above, is one of Ellen's paintings of the marshy back bay area of coastal Delaware, titled "Winding Peace." The original is sold, but signed, numbered, limited edition, archival giclee prints are available on paper and on canvas.
To explore Ellen Rice's work in person, please click here. To learn more about Ellen click here:
The Studio ~ a Place for Collecting, Commissions, Gifts & Enjoying the Peace
Original Paintings & Commissions For the serious art lover, original works are available for investment—though please note that many sell before completion. To receive first-access alerts about new originals, sign up for Ellen’s eNewsletter below and note your interest. Custom paintings for private individuals, businesses, corporate entities, and non-profits may also be commissioned on a limited basis.
Fine Art Reproductions & Gifts Featuring Some of Ellen's Most Popular Paintings To bring Ellen's inspirations into your life at an accessible price point, she offers a growing collection of nearly 200 signed and numbered fine art giclée reproductions. Gifts bearing images of her her paintings include her most popular porcelain ornaments, journals, 15 oz. coffee mugs, keepsake boxes, mousepads, bookmarks and clocks, "Ellen's Small Gifts" are available online, in her studio, or by phone, with entry-level open stock archival prints starting at $45.
Hand-Embellished, Custom Size Canvas Reproductions A step between an original paintings and a paper prints is giclée reproductions on canvas. Ellen individually hand-embellishes each of these archival works. As with all of her limited editions, these come with the painting's story and a certificate of authenticity.
Ellen's Studio & Gallery ~ easy to get to ~ especially in the off-season!
Located on her personal property on the outskirts of Ocean View, Delaware, the studio overlooks the southeastern side of the James Farm Ecological Preserve. The road approach shows a plain grey exterior, but the building's interior is alive with myriad beautiful paintings and prints of the region and features a wide expanse of floor-to-ceiling windows that provide natural North light to paint by and for visitors to view Ellen's work, while also enjoying the calm and beauty of the changing seasons and passing wildlife in the preserve outside the windows.
👉 Click here for Directions, a live Map and Hours
Nestled in coastal Delaware about mile west of the Atlantic Ocean via quieter roads that connect directly to Delaware's majory thoroughfare, Coastal Highway, it an easy trip from surrounding beach communities:
- Bethany Beach: 3 miles or about 10 minutes depending on traffic
- Rehoboth Beach and Lewes: 14 to 20 miles or about 25 to 40 minutes
- Ocean City, MD: 18 miles or about 38 minutes
- Assateague Island, MD: 28 miles or about 45 minutes southwest to the Assateague National Park. (Visiting the wild ponies? For the horse's safety, abide by the 15 mph speed limit and watch out for unexpected pony dashes.)
When visitors wish to make a purchase, the studio accepts all major credit cards (in person, online, and by phone), as well as Apple Pay and checks.
Celebration Series of 25 rare small paintings passes the halfway mark
"September Serenity" in the back bay area of coastal Delaware, viewed from the Cedar Neck Peninsula's VFW on the outskirts of Ocean View..
Ellen's Celebration Series of 25 small original paintings is past the half way point, with less than 10 in this limited series remaining to be painted in this strictly limited collection.
Check them out on the Celebration page or sign up for Ellen's eNewsletter so you don't miss out on the opportunity to own one you love. She rarely paints this small, so they are true collector's pieces. The majority of her Celebration Series paintings to date have sold either in progress or immediately after release to dNews subscribers.
Most of these paintings are inspired by memories kicked off from the many thousands of reference photos Ellen has taken during a lifetime living near Delaware's coast, plus other subjects she's wanted to paint from beyond this area.
You may sign up for first-access alerts about new series paintings at the bottom of this page, being sure to select your subject(s) of interest. What you sign up for is all you'll receive, no junk, no spam, and we never share subscribers' information with anyone, ever.Check them out on the Celebration page or sign up for Ellen's eNewsletter so you don't miss out on the opportunity to own one you love.
To explore the collection and secure a piece before the series concludes: 👉 View the Celebration Series Gallery Page
📬 Sign up for Ellen’s eNewsletter at the bottom of this page to receive first-access alerts to new pieces.
Second-Season Lighting Can Be Soft and Subtle, or Spectacular...
Portraits and peaceful scenes of uncrowded beaches are among Ellen's favorite subjects to paint, walking along the quiet majesty of the coast after the summer crowds have gone.
"The Best of Friends", oil on canvas, a portrait captured from a mother's treasured photograph of her now-grown children. At right, in "Evening Stroll", two sets of footprints combine into one along the Delaware coast in the quiet beauty of autumn.
📞 To inquire about bringing a special memory, portrait or favorite scene of yours to life, email or call (302) 539-3405.
Ellen's monthly eNewsletter subscribers are the first to know
To be among the first to receive notices of your selected areas of interest - from new original paintings and prints to special events and special offers - subscribe free to Ellen's eNewsletters at the bottom of this page.
We normally send out about one eNewsletter per month, sometimes less, sometimes a little more depending on news we think you'd be interested in. We respect your privacy and do not share or sell your information to anyone ever. Be sure to note your specific areas of interest when you sign up, and that is all the news you'll receive.
A few of Ellen's awards
“Best Artist, Sussex County, Delaware” (2025, 2024, 2016, 2015, 2014) by Coastal Style Magazine •
"One of Delaware's Best Beach Artists" by Delaware Today Magazine • “One of Delaware’s Top Ten Most Collectible Artists” by Delaware Beach Life Magazine • "One of the Top 10 Must-See Galleries and Museums in Delaware” by the international The Culture Trip • White House Easter Egg Artist representing the State of Delaware • "QVC's Quest for America's Best" representing the State of Delaware • "PNC Financial Artist of the Year” Commission Award • "Beebe Healthcare Commission Award" for the South Coastal Cancer Treatment Center Lobby • "Great American Paint-In Artist" representing Delaware • "NICHE National Top Retailer Award Finalist" by The Rosen Group.
Most collected paintings and prints this month
Take a Virtual Tour of the Studio
Enjoy a brief, behind-the-scenes look at Ellen's creative process, her newest collections, and the peaceful, light-filled atmosphere of her coastal Delaware studio.
Note: This video features a previous web address at the end, but you are currently in the right place! You can explore most of Ellen Rice's available art directly here at www.ellenrice.gallery and in the gallery portion of her studio.