 Getaway Magazine: An Artist for the Area 
If you walk by Ellen Worthy Stokes' home in the older section of Fredericksburg, or step into her gallery/working studio/living room, you will be transported into an artist's world, as that is the world in which Ellen Worthy Stokes lives. Recently if you visit, you will see the painting she is developing of Dolly Parton, created with layers of glitter, which graces the wall over the fireplace. Elvis is sitting on the floor, close by, as is Oprah, both painted in Stokes' new medium - glitter.Right: Stokes hangs a picture in dental office. Trying something new is a technique Stokes uses to extend her abilities as an artist and glitter is the least main streamed medium she is exploring at this time. Stokes is enjoying time with the newest of her endeavors. Does she care if the glitter may fade when it is exposed to too much direct light? Not really, it's just so much fun for her to spend her time working with the sparkling colors and their visual effects with each new combination she explores in her process. And yes she was thrilled when her glitter painting of Marilyn Monroe was invited to be published this year in Roger Taylor's 2nd edition of "Marilyn In Art." Since Stokes spends four hours a day in front of her easel, she has time to try and develop the breadth of her artistry. That's the discipline she exerts over her work. Stokes has spent much of her artistic career as a teacher after having received a master's degree in art education from the University of Georgia. She first taught art in schools in Colorado and Montana. When her family moved to Virginia in the 1980's she taught art classes pre-K-gth grade as a part time teacher at the Aylett Country Day School in Millers Tavern. She also worked as a free-lance art teacher in Essex County. When her family moved to Fredericksburg, Ellen joined the staff at Fredericksburg Academy as a part time art instructor responsible for the middle and upper school art programs. Her part time status allowed her the opportunity to raise her three children with husband Jerry and continue working on her art. In the past couple of years, however, she has spent her time, full time, as a commission artist. What she likes best about devoting full time in this effort is being able to work with her clients one on one as she produces art required for specific needs and specific space requirements. "I work with clients from the contracted commission, straight through to completion. I try to find out who they are, what they want, and what they envision for the art they need," she said. Stokes likes to believe she is chronicling the evolving Fredericksburg and she may be right. If you tour or visit some of Fredericksburg's professional offices, you can view an array of original art produced by Stokes. For the professional who wants original art that makes a statement about their environment in which they serve the public, her art reflects her professional commitment as a commission artist for fulfilling this goal. Drop by the Millrace Common's office building at the corner Hanover and Jackson Streets in Fredericksburg and enjoy her paintings that grace the walls of this innovative restoration. Originally a pants factory, Millrace has the skeleton support system that allows its offices to use the open spaces of the building to the best advantage. The high ceilings also allow some of Stokes' larger paintings to be shown properly and you will be delighted at the breadth and diversity of her talents as an artist. Next, drop by the offices of the Ear, Nose & Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center on Fall Hill Avenue to view Stokes' paintings, which greet patients in the waiting room. Take a close look at the heads, and upper torsos of those who modeled for the paintings. While graphic in design, you can understand the subtle message within her art that aesthetically highlights the body parts that took you there in the first place. Part of what Stokes is doing with her commission art field is work designers as well as individuals who require unique works of art for specific spaces. This is the situation that lead Impressions of Fredericksburg to commission her to design and paint an acrylic on canvas of the Rappahannock River as seen through the trees along the river's shore for the offices of Rappahannock Orthodontists, the offices of Dr. Matthew H. Caspersen, in Chatham Square Office Park. Speaking of wall murals, how about the Southpoint McDonald's racecar mural at Massaponax ext. 126 A off Interstate 95 . If you are a race fan, you certainly don't want to miss the paintings on the wall of this restaurant! Barnett Commercial Interiors commissioned Stokes to paint a wall featuring the McDonald's NASCAR model for owner Eric Miller, who wanted something special for his restaurant. Its speedway theme is not only unique but perfectly themed with its location just 50 miles from Richmond and the Richmond Speedway.  Amy Green and Bobby Washington, of Classic Custom Framing, framed Stokes' rendition of Douglas Quarles, the founder of Quarles Petroleum in Fredericksburg. To get more of an idea of what you think a portrait painter can do, just drop by Stokes' more recent teaching location, Fredericksburg Academy. In the foyer of their new Arts and Science building you can view her portrait of Don Reed, recently retired headmaster of 10 years. Speaking of portraits ... Next time you need to do business with Quarles Energy Services in Fredericksburg, plan to take a moment to enjoy their new portrait of Douglas E. Quarles Jr. When Stokes was commissioned by Quarles Petroleum to paint his portrait for their corporate office she enjoyed working with the freedom they allowed her for developing an image of Mr. Quarles with compositional elements that provide historical links between the man and his company. As part of the Fredericksburg and Virginia community, she wanted to tell his story. So, there is no doubt that Stokes is busy, that she loves her work, and is good at her passion. Add to this she is fun to be with and never intends to let go of what she considers, "Her lifetime Work and "miles to go with paint and Brush." For more images and information you can visit www.worthyfineart.com. |