About Me…

I have always been drawn to art and the quiet intricacies of the natural world. As a child, I spent countless hours exploring outdoors — collecting insects and spiders, observing their forms, and marvelling at their details. Those early expeditions continue to shape my practice today.

Now professionally trained as both an artist and educator, my work brings together a lifelong love of natural history and creative expression. I hold an Advanced Diploma in Fine Arts, a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural History Illustration, and a Graduate Degree in Education. Working primarily in watercolour, acrylic, and graphite, I explore the beauty, complexity, and character of Australian native flora and fauna through close observation and careful study.

Each piece feels like a keepsake from childhood — balancing colourful, whimsical magic with scientific accuracy. Through my practice, I aim to celebrate the quiet beauty and intricacy of the natural world, inviting moments of curiosity, wonder, and connection into everyday spaces.

Alongside my studio work, I am a passionate art instructor, teaching both children and adults in sessions that range from playful and hands-on to more in-depth explorations of technique, observation, and the principles of art. Whether students are here to have fun, build confidence, or deepen their skills, all are welcome.

Based in Newcastle, the Hunter Region, and the Central Coast, I offer classes locally and beyond. At the heart of everything I do — teaching, sharing, and creating — is a commitment to visually communicate the beauty of nature and highlight the importance of its conservation.

Group of women gathered around a long table painting canvases at an art class, with some smiling and engaging in conversation.
A floral painting of vibrant orange, red, and purple flowers on an easel, surrounded by paint supplies, brushes, flowers, and a person with glasses in the background.
An indoor wine cellar decorated for a painting class, with tables covered in white tablecloths, equipped with painting canvases, supplies, and flowers, against a backdrop of stacked wine barrels and string lights.
A group of young women gathered in a living room, smiling and wearing heart-shaped sunglasses. They are holding colorful, hand-painted artwork and some have flowers, celebrating together in a cheerful, casual setting.
Two women each holding a dog, in a room with brick walls and wooden paneling, with two paintings of dogs on display behind them.
People participating in a painting class, creating dog portrait paintings on canvases, with paint palettes and brushes on the table.
Table with painting supplies, including a palette with various colors, brushes, and water cups. Two paintings of animals—one of a panda and one of a giraffe—are displayed on small easels among on the table. There are wine glasses and a bottle of red
A group of women participating in a painting class, each working on a canvas with floral designs, seated around a long table decorated with flowers, paint supplies, and drinks.
Table set up for a painting class with canvases, paint palettes, brushes, and photographs of dogs, decorated with a vase of pink and white flowers, inside a rustic room.
A woman painting a dog portrait while holding her black and white dog in her lap at a table in a restaurant decorated with string lights, plants, and wall-mounted art.
A woman with purple hair painting a portrait on an easel in a decorated indoor venue with hanging lights and greenery.
A small dog sitting on a wooden chair at a table, looking at the camera, with a woman sitting nearby, in an indoor setting with wooden walls and a lattice partition.
A canvas with an outline drawing of a dog, set on a table with painting supplies including a palette with colorful paint, brushes, and two jars of water, in a room with wooden wall decor.
Two detailed drawings of birds on white paper, one of a bird's nest with eggs and leaves, and the other of a bird sitting on a branch.
Painting of two birds sitting on a branch with black and yellow mandala designs in the background.
Young woman with pink hair standing outside a closed shop with art of colorful birds on the window.
A framed black and white drawing of a bird on a branch, decorated with pink and white flowers, on a wooden surface.
Hand-drawn illustration of a bird with dark head and back, white belly, perched on a wooden post, signed by Ellen Grace in 2023, surrounded by pink flowers and green leaves.
A drawing of a bird perched on a small wooden stump, surrounded by pink and white flowers.
A woman with purple and black hair painting a bird on a canvas. She is sitting at a wooden table, with her arm resting on her knee, holding a paintbrush. There are two paintings of birds behind her on easels, one in progress and one finished.
Framed artwork featuring a detailed painting of a small bird, surrounded by pressed pink and white flowers and green leaves on a wooden surface.
Jack Sparrow the house sparrow
The studio was having its own 'golden hour' moment this arvo. Love how the sun warms up this room during the cooler months.
Framed artwork of a bird sitting on a branch, surrounded by artificial flowers and leaves, with the artist's signature 'Ellen Grace 2023' at the bottom.
A botanical illustration of a bird perched on a branch, signed by Ellen Grace 2023, leaning against a white wall with a sprig of variegated green and white leaves and white flowers beside it.
Fresh prints arrived!
Its a great feeling when I finally get to sign a piece of art that I've been working on for a few months. Outside of my usual realm this commission has taught me invaluable skills and has advanced my technique and art making practice. I'm grateful t
Partially completed painting on an easel, depicting a colorful sky with pink, purple, and blue clouds at sunset or sunrise, and a line drawing of a group of dogs walking on a path in the foreground.
A young woman with dark hair and wearing a graphic T-shirt is sitting in an art studio, holding a paintbrush, and working on a painting of a bird on a canvas.
Great market day today!
Two prints of bird illustrations, one of a pelican and another of a bird with feathers, laid on a table with decorative gold and green papers in the background.
A framed artwork of a colorful bird perched on a branch, surrounded by various green leaves and flowers.
A framed watercolor painting of a bird with blue and brown feathers, signed by Ellen Grace in 2023, surrounded by green leaves, a small red flower, and a dried flower in a decorative display box.
A framed art piece with a drawing of a bird, surrounded by artificial white daisies and small orange berries, inside a glass display case on a wooden surface.
A detailed colored drawing of a bird with black, white, and orange feathers, perched on a small branch, surrounded by white and yellow flowers and green leaves.
Look at these two little cuties. Who can name the species? These two will be coming with me to my next market on the 30th of June.
A woman painting a seascape on a canvas. She is holding a palette with mixed colors and using a brush to add details. The painting depicts a vibrant sunset over water with clouds in the sky.
A woman standing behind a table displaying art prints featuring bird illustrations at an indoor event, with a lush green foliage background and a neon pink sign reading 'LOVE IS LOVE'.
Two framed bird paintings on a white table. The larger shows a bird in flight with gray, black, and orange feathers against a pink background. The smaller depicts orange and red tropical flowers with green leaves on a dark background. Both paintings
A woman with purple hair painting bird artwork in an art studio, with a large dog sitting nearby. The studio has paintings, certificates on the wall, and art supplies on the desk.
A young woman with purple hair and a plaid shirt sitting on a chair, holding a paintbrush, and petting a large fluffy dog. The room has paintings and art supplies on a desk, with a guitar leaning against the wall.
A blank canvas with a pencil sketch of a heron or egret bird on a wooden easel. Art supplies on the table include a palette with red, yellow, blue, and black paint, a color chart, and three red paintbrushes. There is also a glass with pink liquid and
Group of people painting peacock art on canvases at an outdoor art class under a sheltered patio.
My scientific illustration prints are in stock... if this is your preferred style of art and are interested in further details, let me know!
A sketchbook with a detailed pencil drawing of a leaf, placed on grass. A real dried leaf is positioned above the drawing.
Black and white drawing of a cicada on a white background.
Framed original botanical artwork.
Watercolor painting of a blue flower with green leaves, surrounded by watercolor paints and brushes.
Three colorful, embroidered birds in flight against a black background, with vibrant feathers and detailed wing and tail embroidery.
Colorful birds flying over a decorative black and white floral background on a black chalkboard.
Close-up view of embroidery featuring orange, yellow, and green floral and leaf patterns on a black background.
Painting of orange and pink flowers with green leaves on a black background, placed on a surface with painting supplies around it.
Colorful embroidered artwork of a parakeet with yellow, blue, and black feathers seated on a branch, signed by artist Ellen Grace, 2023.
Framed embroidered artwork of a colorful parakeet perched on a branch, with the artist's signature and the year 2023.
A woman with colorful purple and brown hair painting a beach scene with two dogs on a canvas in an art studio. She is sitting cross-legged on a patterned rug, holding a palette in her left hand and a paintbrush in her right hand. The studio has shelv
Two watercolor paintings on display on black stands. The left painting depicts a sunset sky with clouds and a row of trees, titled "Newcastle Foreshore at Sunset." The right painting shows a view from a car window of a road with trees and a colorful
An outdoor painting class setup with blank canvases on easels, water jars, paint palettes with assorted coloors, and brushes on a table covered with a plastic tablecloth, under an open shelter.
A painting class where a young girl and an instructor are painting a picture of a bird on canvas. Other paintings of the same bird are visible on easels in the background.
People participating in a group painting activity at a table with canvases, paint palettes, and brushes outdoors.
Framed artwork of a black cat with yellow eyes sitting on top of a stack of newspaper.
A realistic colored pencil drawing of a black cat with green eyes sitting on a newspaper, with the title 'Mavis, The Devil Cat' Davis' at the bottom.
Watercolor painting of eucalyptus leaves and flowers on watercolor paper, surrounded by watercolor paint palette and brush.
Close-up of a botanical illustration of pink and yellow gum blossoms and green leaves.
A group of people gathered at an art exhibition or gallery, with a woman in a white off-shoulder top and red skirt speaking into a microphone, and others clapping or observing the artwork, including a woman holding a bouquet of flowers.
A detailed coloured pencil drawing of a lyre bird with brown feathers, standing on a rock. The drawing is partially finished. Various coloured pencils are arranged around the drawing on a white surface.
Sketch of different angles and poses of a Gouldian Finch, along with a colour chart showing various feathers with corresponding colour codes, all on a notebook page held over a forest floor.
An artist with pink hair painting a butterfly on a canvas in a bright studio with large windows.