This website is dedicated to the memory of its main champion, co-creator and my dearest friend, cousin and daily mentor
for nearly a decade, Chris Thackray, who went on his next "fun adventure" on 31 July, 2026.
Note to those who haven't visited in awhile . . . please click here for our location.
About the artist
Ellen Rice is an acclaimed mid-Atlantic fine artist based near Bethany Beach, Delaware, who is known widely for capturing the Mid-Atlantic coast in its many moods and globally for her inspirational "Strength of Woman" series.
Her landscapes, seascapes, portraits, wildlife, historic and fundraising art have earned her the title "Best Artist" for the Delmarva coastal region numerous times, in addition to cultural, corporate and civic awards regionally and nationally.
Working primarily in oils, she captures scenes designed to bring those viewing her work into the her paintings in a way that they feel as though they are there. Moar have stories that she shares in writing.
It is her "Strength of Woman" series, inspired by visions seen in prayer in answer to life events and focusing on uplifting and helping other women find their innate strength, that sets her work apart.
"Winding Peace," oil on canvas by Ellen Rice of the backbay area of coastal Delaware near the artist's home at sunset. The original is sold, but archival gicle'e reproductions on either paper or canvas are available.
From the earliest days of her professional career, she has believed in giving back to the communities surrounding her, as well as national causes, and she has regularly created paintings for a variety of causes, among them Silent Sentinel, Seclusion and At Ease, raising funds for historic preservation, ecological preservation/education, and aiding veterans.
She believes in staying true to her own inspirations with a genuineness that is felt. "My desire is to always paint honest expressions with the hope that those viewing my work, no matter the subject, feel the awe and joy that is in my heart while I paint."
Investing in her work for collecting, your home and gifting
For the serious art lover, collectors can invest in Ellen Rice's original works, though many sell before completion. Those who want to be alerted to new works can sign up for her eNewsletter (below). Paintings for private individuals, businesses, corporate entities and non-profits collections can also be commissioned on a very limited basis. There is a waiting list.
For those desiring her work without a larger investment, she offers signed, numbered fine art gicle'e reproductions and offset lithographs of nearly 200 paintings, which are vailable in her studio, online here and by phone. Entry level for open stock prints is $45.
Large-scale custom sized, hand-embellished archival gicle's reproductions on canvas, with their individual custom embellishments are an intermediary step between an original painting and a giclee on paper. No one else will have another like it. As with her other limited edition reproductions, they come with a certificate of authenticity and the painting's story.
Where to Experience and Purchase: the Studio welcome mat is out all year
- The Studio: You can view her newest original paintings, works in progress and fine art reproductions of Ellen's work in her purposely built studio and showroom on the artist's property, which overlooks the James Farm Ecological Preserve on the northern outskirts of Ocean View, Delaware.
- The studio's plain, grey exterior seen from the front approach belies the peaceful interior, which has floor-to-ceiling, north-facing windows overlooking the preserve and provides ideal light for painting and for viewing Ellen's art, while watching nature through the changing of the seasons on the James Farm next door.
- The studio is two miles northwest of Bethany Beach, about a half hour south of Rehoboth Beach and Lewes, Delaware, and fifteen minutes north of Fenwick Island, Delaware, and Ocean City Maryland, depending on traffic. It's about 45 minutes north of Assateague Island and their wild Chincoteague and Assateague ponies.
- Directions and hours.
- Purchase options: All major credit cards are accepted in person, via phone and online. Checks and Applepay are also accepted.
- To read about Ellen's personal journey as an artist, click here.
Second season lighting can be soft and subtle or spectacular ... more coming
Portraits and peaceful scenes of uncrowded beaches are among Ellen's favorite subjects to paint. Above, left, an oil portrait done from a mother's photo of her now grown children called "The Best of Friends."
Above right, an "Evening Stroll" along the Delaware coast was the inspiration for this oil painting. To inquire about painting commissions call (302) 539-3405.
Celebration Series of 25 small commemorative paintings are rare collectibles
Ellen's Celebration Series of 25 small original paintings is past the half way point, with less than 10 in this limited series remaining to be painted.
Check them out on the Celebration Series page or sign up for Ellen's eNews so you don't miss out on the opportunity to own one you love.
These are rare small paintings, which are inspired by memories kicked off by the many thousands of reference photos she has taken over the years.
They are painted slowly, but majority of her Celebration Series paintings to date have sold fast, either in progress or immediately after release to subscribers of Ellen's eNewsletter.
"The Fish are Biting" in this sweeping coastal scene with the Indian River Inlet Bridge in the background. The original oil is sold, but prints are available in the studio and in the Celebration Series section online.
You can sign up for specific notices about Ellen's work and/or events at the bottom of this page, being sure to note your subject(s) of interest. What you sign up for is all the news you'll receive, no junk, no spam, we sincerely promise. And, most importantly, your information is secure. We do not share or sell any of it, ever.
Ellen's monthly eNewsletter subscribers are the first to know....
To be among the first to receive notices of your selected areas of interest - from new original paintings and prints to special events and special offers - subscribe free to Ellen's eNewsletters at the bottom of this page.
We normally send out about one eNewsletter per month, sometimes more if we've got news we think you'd be interested in. We respect your privacy and do not share or sell your information to anyone ever. Be sure to note your specific areas of interest when you sign up.
Links to More News:
A few of the awards received by Ellen and her gallery
"QVC's Quest for America's Best" representing the State of Delaware - "One of Delaware's Best Beach Artists" - Delaware
Today Magazine ..."One of Delaware’s Top Ten Most Collectible Artists" - Delaware Beach Life Magazine“ ...
2025, 2024, 2016, 2015 and 2014 Best Artist, Sussex County, Delaware" - Coastal Style Magazine ..."PNC Financial Artist of the Year” - Commission award of PNC Financial ... "One of the Top 10 Must See Galleries and Museums in Delaware” - The international Culture Trip ... NICHE National Top Retailer Award Finalist" - The Rosen Group ... White House Easter Egg Artist representing the State of Delaware ..."Beebe HealthCare Commission Award" for South Coastal Cancer Treatment Center Lobby ...
"Great American Paint-In Artist" representing Delaware....
Most collected paintings and prints this month
Below: a video look at some of Ellen's work and her studio, unfortunately not high resolution. Note: the website address in the end of this video should be www.ellenrice.gallery (which is where you are).