About The Artist

Ella Swartz is a visual artist specializing in traditional acrylic painting, known for her strong sense of composition and intuitive use of color theory. Her work is deeply personal—each piece is not just a painting, but a reflection of her inner world. Whether it stems from a vivid dream, a fleeting feeling, or a moment of frustration, every mark carries emotional weight. Ella paints what she feels, what she loves, what unsettles her, and what she longs for. Her process is instinctive, emotionally charged, and dream-led—many of her works come to her in sleep, visual narratives she translates onto canvas in waking life.

Ella began her formal training at Booker High School’s Visual & Performing Arts program in Sarasota, Florida, where she first developed her voice as an artist. She is currently pursuing a degree in Studio Art at Stetson University, where her focus on color theory and compositional design has deepened. In recognition of her artistic dedication, she was awarded the LaValle Scholarship, which continues to support her evolving practice.

Over the years, Ella has developed a unique visual language that blends raw vulnerability with formal discipline. Her pieces are often bold, symbolic, and unapologetically honest. She doesn't shy away from discomfort or chaos—instead, she leans into them, using color and form to process and communicate what words often can’t. She sees painting as a form of emotional mapping, a way of navigating identity, memory, and desire.

Her work has been exhibited in both community and academic settings. Notable exhibitions include:

• Hand Art Center at Stetson University — Twice selected for their Annual Juried Art Show
• Art Ovation Hotel, Sarasota, FL — Two-time Artist in Residence
• Embracing Our Differences Exhibition, Bayfront Park (2022) — For her piece Unbound
• Pastry Art Bakery Café, Sarasota, FL — Solo display on Main Street
• 
  

Ella’s artistic practice continues to evolve alongside her personal growth. What once felt like mistakes—exploded sculptures, unfinished concepts, uncomfortable compositions—have become essential to her process. They reveal the cracks and tensions that make the work honest and alive. Her art doesn’t aim for perfection; it aims for truth.