I’m Ella, a Manchester based artist currently in my final year of studying fine art. I have been drawing and painting since I was a child; however it wasn’t until I went to university that I truly fell in love with the process of storytelling through painting. I realised I could use art as a tool to create places that only exist in my mind, that feel like a reflection of my inner world, somewhere between reality and imagination.

I work primarily in oil paints, but I enjoy using different mediums such as chalk, charcoal, acrylic, watercolour, gouache, oil pastels and lino printing. I love trying new materials to broaden my creativity and keep my practice varied. My sketchbook is a key part of my process, and I take it everywhere with me. Most of my paintings start from a random sketch in my book, which I develop further when I see the potential to turn it into a finished piece.

Nature, womanhood, mythology, and feminine archetypes inspire my practice daily, alongside artists such as John William Godward, Frida Kahlo, Ana Mendieta, and Claude Monet. I appreciate art in all its forms and love exploring different styles and movements in my own work, from classical influences to the vibrant energy of pop art. Artists like Yayoi Kusama and Takashi Murakami inspire me to have fun with my practice, encouraging me to experiment boldly and explore a variety of themes within my art.

If you would like to connect, discuss a commission, or learn more about my work, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me at info@artbyellamortaz.com or through Instagram @ellamortazart, and I’m always happy to chat about art, share more about my process, or help you find a piece that feels right for your space. Thank you for supporting my practice and taking the time to explore my work.