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 brand new website . . . with a few glitches
Though it looks very similar to our old site, there are engineering differences, and we are still doing minor tweaks.
Please let Ellen know if you come across anything not working right, so we can fix it!
On the very positive side, we sincerely hope that you enjoy the brighter site with larger, more accurate images of Ellen's art
and that of our other artisans!
Note to International clients:
Our website cannot calculate international shipping and customs at this time. Please email or call for an accurate cost of getting your purchase to you. Costs have to be calculated separately. It is our understanding that most artwork is exempt from customs, but it is different for different countries.
Note to those who haven't visited in awhile . . . please click here for our location
About the artist
Ellen Rice is an acclaimed professional artist known widely for capturing the Mid-Atlantic coast in its many moods and globally for her inspirational "Strength of Woman" series.
Working from her longtime home and studio in southeastern Delaware, her landscapes, seascapes, portraits, wildlife, historic and fundraising art have earned her the title "Best Artist" for the Delmarva coastal region numerous times, alongside regional and national cultural, corporate and civic awards.
Working primarily in oils, Ellen captures scenes designed to transport viewers into her paintings in a way that makes them feel like they are there. Most of her pieces have rich stories that she shares in writing.
However, it is her "Strength of Woman" series ~ inspired by visions seen in prayer in answer to life challenges and focused on uplifting ~ that sets her work apart.
Her work defies shoehorning.“I don’t look at what I do as being in competition with others. I appreciate so many forms of art and different artists’ works, but I am me. I can’t be anyone else. I can only truly be in competition with myself to be my best self.
"Winding Peace" ~ A radiant sunset over the coastal Delaware back bay near the artist's home, featuring a Great Blue Heron in the marshy shallows.
“In truth, that’s all any of us can do. We’re unique beings passing this way once, and the closer to absolute honesty we are with ourselves the more our work resonates. Each painting is an exploration into that truth, brush stroke by brush stroke.
“I remember praying as a young girl that my life would be a blessing. A long time ago I asked that God use me, my work, in whatever way was needed. It’s my hope that whatever I do, in whatever corners of the world my work is found, it uplifts.”
Collecting, Decor & Gift Shopping, and Commissioning
Original Paintings & Commissions
For the serious art lover, original works are available for investment—though please note that many sell before completion. To receive alerts about new pieces, you are invited to sign up for Ellen’s eNewsletter below. Custom paintings for private individuals, businesses, corporate entities, and non-profits may also be commissioned on a limited basis.
Fine Art Reproductions
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. These are available online, in her studio, or by phone, with entry-level open stock archival prints starting at $45.
Hand-Embellished, Custom Sized, 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.
Where to experience & purchase
The Studio & Gallery ~ The welcome mat is out all year
You are invited to explore Ellen's original and complete collection of works in print in her purposefully-built studio and gallery on the northeastern outskirts of Ocean View, Delaware.. Located on her personal property, the studio overlooks a wide expanse of the James Farm Ecological Preserve.. Plain gray from the road, the building's north side is a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that provide natural north light ~ ideal for painting and for visitors to view her work accurately and while enjoying the calm beauty of the changing seasons and passing wildlife in the preserve.
Location & Proximity
Nestled in coastal Delaware about mile west of the ocean on quiet roads that connect directly to Coastal Highway, it an easy trip from several 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.)
👉 Click here for Directions, a live Map and Hours
- Ways to Purchase: For your convenience, we accept all major credit cards (in person, online, and by phone), as well as Apple Pay and checks.
The Celebration Series: 25 rare small paintings
"Break of Day," nearing completon as it takes on Ellen's desired luminescence and depth.
Ellen's Celebration Series is now past the halfway point, with fewer than 10 original paintings remaining to be created in this strictly limited collection. Most of these rare, small pieces are inspired by memories sparked by the thousands of reference photos Ellen has taken during her decades living near the Delaware coast, alongside select subjects from her travels beyond the region.
Because of their rare size and accessibility, the majority of the Celebration Series paintings to date have sold while still in progress or immediately upon release to email subscribers.
To explore the collection or 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 before new pieces are released to the public.*
*Your privacy matters: When signing up, you can select your specific subjects of interest. You will only receive the updates you request—no junk, no spam, and your information is never shared with anyone, ever.
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 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, "Evening Stroll", Oil on Canvas. Two sets of footprints combine into one, telling a story of connection along the Delaware coast in the quiet beauty of autumn.
If you would like to bring a special memory, portrait, or favorite coastal view to life, Ellen accepts a very limited number of custom commissions each year.
- 📞 To inquire about a custom painting commission, please email or call the studio directly at (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 more if we've got 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.
A few 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 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 all of her available art directly here at www.ellenrice.gallery.