Meet Ellen

Ellen Paul

Hi, I’m Ellen — a multifaceted artist living by the ocean on Cape Cod, where driftwood washes ashore, whales pass by in the distance, and light dances across old houses. My work is a reflection of this place and the stories that live here.

I love to read, explore museums, sketch on the go, and travel to places that feed my curiosity — whether it’s the coastal towns of New England or the historic cities of Europe.

I paint custom house portraits, create ocean-inspired watercolor pieces, hand-letter meaningful words in calligraphy, and carve whales from locally found driftwood. These may seem like separate paths, but to me, they are all threads of the same story — one of observation, emotion, and a deep love for natural beauty and connection.

I started drawing and learning calligraphy over fifteen years ago, although art has quietly been calling me since childhood. It took me a long time to answer — I once believed I had no talent. But years later, something inside me shifted. I picked up a pencil again, joined a few online classes, and everything changed. Art became my way of seeing and sharing the world.

Each driftwood whale I make begins with a walk along the shore. I don’t sketch them in advance — I believe the shape is already there, hidden in the wood by the ocean, and my job is simply to uncover it. House portraits are born from the same attentiveness. I love observing architectural details, the feeling of a place, and capturing that essence with ink and paint.

What matters most to me is the connection with my clients. I listen deeply, notice what they sometimes haven’t yet put into words, and create with empathy. I believe whales choose their homes too, and I love helping people find their whale, one that reflects their place, their story, and their heart. Whether it’s a house portrait full of memories, a custom whale telling your family’s story, or a meaningful calligraphy piece, I’m here to co-create something truly special with you.

Thank you for being here. I hope my art brings you a sense of place, beauty, and a little bit of magic.