Ellen Dijkhuis (born 1956 in Groningen) is a Dutch artist. In her work the ambiance plays an important role: people in tranquil environments, objects merging into their surroundings, and transparent beauty. Besides people, both theatre and ballet constitute a great source of inspiration to her.
As a former fashion designer, she has worked extensively with various colours, fabrics, patterns and structures: elements which all still play an important role in her work. A favourite theme is the model as the subject matter itself. The models (mostly women) are often displayed in unrecognizable and mysterious ways, for instance by shielding their faces or displaying their backs. By subsequently painting thin layers of oil paint on top of each other, new, delicate and more refined colour combinations emerge, which creates a subtle layering of colours that highlights the distinctive sensitivity of her work.
This sensitivity is also visible in paintings where she adds fabrics to the canvas. By covering the fabrics in paint and integrating them into the painting, she uses the inherent structure, relief and colours of the material. This has evolved into her own distinctive painting style.
Besides this technique Ellen works mainly with oil-based paint.
Life and education
Ellen Dijkhuis graduated at the Classical Academy of Fine Arts Groningen in 2013. Her paintings have been presented at various expositions and Art Fairs in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. She lives and works in Hattem (Gelderland NL) and is represented by Galerie Bonnard in Nuenen and Galerie Terbeek in Beetsterzwaag.