Jon Ellis

Jon Ellis, born in Philadelphia in 1959, has always had an unusual perspective of the world. His entertaining colorful work, often compared to a modern day Rockwell with a twist, is both highly detailed and imaginative. Ellis’ complex range of subject matter is as diverse as the vivid colors utilized in his palette. A modern master of acrylic paint, Ellis’ use of the difficult medium is like no other.

Ellis earned a Bachelor of Fine Art Degree from the Philadelphia College of Art in 1982. Upon graduating, Ellis moved his studio to New York, where he became an active member in the Society of Illustrators. His accomplished career, which has spanned several decades, has earned him numerous awards, accreditations as well as countless highly profiled commissions. Represented by one of New York City’s top agents, over the years Ellis’ fanciful work has graced the cover of many popular books, advertisements and periodicals, including the cover of Time and National Geographic. Ellis’ work had been exhibited at such prestigious galleries as the ‘Helander Gallery’ on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, as well as, maintained in permanent archival collections at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. Such notable private collectors as Attorney Robert Shapiro have also enjoyed ownership of his work.

Jon had the opportunity for many years to serve as an adjunct professor in the Illustration department of The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Jon’s highly detailed original works are executed in acrylic paint on either Italian Fabriano art board from the 1950’s or English Whatman board from the 1940’s. Both vintage cold-pressed hand-made 100% rag boards have been out of circulation for the last several decades. All of Jon’s original paintings have a custom-made Ellis painted frame.