How This Dutch Artist (Ellis) is Blending Graphic Design and Traditional Art to tell her Nature and Travel Inspired Stories

Ellis Hollering is a Dutch abstract, realistic artist who has turned her love for travel and nature into stunning paintings. Ellis shares how she transitioned from studying Small Business to discovering her true passion for art. She talks about the experiences and places that inspire her, how she blends digital and traditional techniques, and how her art mirrors her personal growth. Through her journey, we learn about resilience, creativity, and finding beauty in everyday life.

Ellis is a Dutch abstract, realistic artist who aims to capture the beauty and essence of life through her artwork to inspire others. As an avid traveler, Ellis has witnessed the beauty of nature and urban scenes worldwide. These travels inspired her to create paintings portraying connections she discovered between nature and herself. She harmoniously blends soft subtlety with powerful expressions in her art, forging a dynamic contrast that captivates the senses. She invites viewers to look at her art from different distances. You’ll find abstract marks, textures, and golden elements up close. From a distance, you will experience an intricate interplay. She encourages everyone to join her on an immersive journey, exploring each layer of her multifaceted creations.

1. Ellis, your journey from studying Small Business to becoming a full-time artist is fascinating. What was the turning point that made you realize painting was your true passion?

As a child, I was incredibly creative, but I used my creativity less and less during my teenage years. At that time, attending art school wasn’t the right path. Instead, I decided to study Small Business to set up a location-independent business. This way, I could combine my love for travel with work. After my Small Business studies, I pursued a follow-up in Media Design. This allowed me to start my business as a freelance graphic designer. It’s definitely a creative profession but in a different way. After a few years, I missed working with my hands and creating something physical. During that period, I went through a tough breakup and was looking for a way to distract myself and stay busy. I started experimenting with watercolours at home and took a short mixed-media workshop at the local art supply store. I remember that day so well—I told the instructor that I would be so happy if I could paint every day. From that day on, I began exploring the possibilities further and later enrolled in a program at the Milan Art Institute, which helped me develop my skills and pursue my passion

My artworks will always reflect the journey I take as an individual. However, the most important thing for me is that they evoke positive emotions in the viewer, giving them strength and supporting them in their own journey.

Ellis Hollering

2. Your background in graphic design adds an interesting layer to your creative process. How do you merge digital design with traditional painting techniques to bring your visions to life?

For me, it’s a fantastic combination. I’ve worked with Photoshop for over 15 years and know almost all the ins and outs. So, when I have an idea, I can easily and quickly turn it into a source. From that source, I continue on the canvas, it’s a good starting point for my artwork. At first, it took some time to get used to the painting process because I could always hit ‘ctrl-z’ with all my graphic projects to undo a little ‘mistake,’ which you can’t do with painting. But this has taught me to be more forgiving. After all, it’s just paint, it dries, and you can always paint over it. Plus, the ‘mistakes’ often become beautiful parts of the painting, so I often leave them as they are.

3. Your recent exhibition in Miami, ‘Beauty Reigns,’ must have been an exciting milestone. What is the inspiration behind the pieces you showcased there and the response you received from the audience?

It was an incredibly amazing experience! I graduated just before the exhibition, and right after, I showcased my work in the vibrant city of Miami—something I had never dared to dream of. When I saw all the selected works for the exhibition together, it finally hit me what the common thread was among them. I had never truly felt that my art and I deserved to be seen. I always thought others were better and my own work wasn’t worth showing to a wider audience.

So, when I saw the five pieces that would be exhibited, I realized they represented my journey of gradually stepping out more. It was a process of self-love and acceptance. The first piece is called “The Unseen Parts,” an ode to the invisible beauty everyone possesses. Next, I created “Breaking Free – Embracing Vulnerability,” where you can really see the person daring to step out a bit more, hiding less. The most recent work from that exhibition, “Burgeoning Bloom,” conveys a sense of empowerment and encourages embracing the boundless possibilities that unfold in life. This mirrors the journey I have undertaken myself. During the exhibition, I spoke with several people who recognized my journey, both within themselves and in my paintings. It was incredibly special to hear visitors’ stories, which sometimes even brought them to tears. It’s so moving to know that my paintings can touch someone.

4. Your art reflects your love for travel and nature. Can you share a specific destination that left a lasting impression on your work?

I have been fortunate that my parents took me on various extraordinary trips from a young age. This sparked my love for travel and nature. Many beautiful places are worldwide, but you don’t always have to travel far to find them. It’s often about becoming aware of the beauty around you. When spring begins, I can greatly enjoy the little flowers starting to grow and the busy insects everywhere.

Last fall, I traveled for three months around the time of the exhibition in Miami. It was an incredible experience, with one of the highlights being Costa Rica. I had never seen so many shades of green; the country’s nature is incredibly rich. It’s so diverse, as are the cultural differences between the East and West. It’s a country I will definitely visit again. At the end of that 3-month trip, I visited an artist friend in Maui, Hawaii. This place had been on my bucket list for so long, and I lost my heart from the moment I arrived. One of the most remarkable things there is the stunning sunsets. So intensely colorful, every evening is a new spectacle.

I am convinced that my art can help you grow, no matter what phase you are in. And that is something I wish for everyone around me.

Ellis Hollering

5.  As someone who sees art as a journey, how do you hope your paintings evolve with the viewer over time?

My artworks will always reflect the journey I take as an individual. However, the most important thing for me is that they evoke positive emotions in the viewer, giving them strength and supporting them in their own journey. I am convinced that my art can help you grow, no matter what phase you are in. And that is something I wish for everyone around me.

6.  Lastly, for those just discovering your work, what message or feeling do you hope they take away from experiencing your paintings?

My art aims to inspire you, to give a sense of empowerment, and to encourage you to embrace the limitless possibilities that unfold in your life. May my art reflect your journey and your unique beauty, and may it give you strength and resilience. Anything is possible if you believe in it.

Ellis Hollering’s journey as an artist shows how creativity and self-discovery can transform a life. Her paintings, full of texture and depth, reflect her personal growth and inspire others. By combining her graphic design skills with traditional painting, Ellis has created a unique style that resonates with many. Her work encourages us to accept our paths, find beauty in our vulnerabilities, and believe in life’s endless possibilities. To learn more about Ellis, click the following links to visit her profile.