Artist Statement

I’m Ellen Nunes, an artist from South Lake Tahoe. I have been painting professionally since 2013, when I quit my job at the Clean Tahoe Program so that I could pursue painting full time. I have lived at Lake Tahoe for nearly 40 years and have developed a deep and soulful connection to our magnificent Jewel of the Sierra. 

By experimenting with color theory and by incorporating scientific methods, I have developed my body of work. In 2018, I realized my current direction when I made my first abstract painting on the shape of Lake Tahoe. I felt that the fluidity of acrylic paint allowed me to express my feelings about Lake Tahoe in a way that was so incredibly satisfying and beautiful. The work hit the market in early 2019 and I have enjoyed developing my ideas and love of our alpine paradise ever since.  

I incorporate a clear coat of resin after I have created an original painting. Resin, while difficult to use, enhances my work like nothing else.  My pieces feel like you are holding a slice of the Lake. They float on the wall and sparkle in the light.  I have spent years developing my palette through close observation. Our Lake of the Sky changes dramatically from season to season.  With no breath of wind to surf’s up – she is never the same. Of course, my favorite time to observe her majesty is when we are in our boat, headed to Emerald Bay.  We can be found there most Sunday mornings in summer, enjoying a little breakfast with the osprey and eagles at Vikingsholm.

My husband and I work together to create each piece. A retired firefighter and also a longtime local to Lake Tahoe, Randy handles all of the woodwork and creates each shape of the lake that I use. He is a craftsman, which is evidenced in the frames and panels that he makes for our Jewel of the Sierra Collection. Each piece is consciously made with love and care and archival quality products.

Thank you for visiting!
Ellen