Lee Ellis

Lee Ellis is a Bristol-based artist known for his dynamic abstract portraits. The expressive portrait paintings Ellis creates are characterised by saturated colours and heavy brushwork, which dramatically convey the raw emotion of his subjects. The artist’s practice is process-led to emphasise pure human expression, which is reflected in the visceral energy of each piece.

LEE ELLIS’ STYLE OF FIGURATIVE ABSTRACTION

With abstract colours and fragmented figures, Lee Ellis’ style and power of emotional affect is reminiscent of Expressionism. For Ellis, the creative process is chaotic and destructive, using the energy of the painting process to reveal the dark inner truth of each subject. Through these shadowy psychological portraits, Lee Ellis’ expressionism art pays homage to the modern portrait art of Lucien Freud, Francis Bacon and Frank Auerbach.

ELLIS’ EDUCATION AND PROCESS

Lee Ellis initially worked in graphic design after graduating from the University of the West of England in 2006, only painting in his spare time. Eventually, Ellis was led to his vocation as a fine artist, drawn in by the expressive and unrestrained nature of the creative process.

Ellis’ multimedia artwork is highly experimental, layering oil paint, spray paint and charcoal to create unique textural compositions. Painting is Lee’s predominant medium, but he also incorporates drawings and printmaking.

EXHIBITIONS AND COLLABORATIONS

Since 2007, Lee has exhibited in solo exhibitions and group shows throughout the UK. His solo shows, It’s Not Me, It’s You, Leebay (2014) and Welcome To the Neighbourhood (2012) track the ever-evolving nature of Ellis’ style over the past ten years, reflecting developments in both his painting and printmaking. Find out more about the artist and his process in our Q&A with Lee Ellis.

Lee’s striking style of contemporary abstract art has also caught the eye of commercial clients such as House and Garden Magazine. You can see Lee Ellis expressionism art for sale on Rise Art.