About

About Ellen Casalena

Ellen Casalena is a realism fine artist whose work reflects a deep respect for the natural beauty and character of her subjects. An animal lover and accomplished creator across many artistic media, she values the versatility, depth of color, and extended working time of oil paints. Their slow-drying nature supports her deliberate process, with many of her works requiring upwards of 100 hours of meticulous brushwork and careful refinement. As her own toughest critic, Ellen is guided by a commitment to authenticity, and strives to portray every subject truthfully, without embellishment or artificial drama.


Born in South Africa, Ellen has spent her life immersed in the arts, with a career spanning special education through commercial design. Extensive travel and years spent living in different places have continually shaped her artistic perspective. She captures inspiration through her camera wherever she goes and now resides in Portland, Oregon, with her husband, while her two sons live nearby.

EXHIBITIONS:

  • 2022 - The South African Society of Artists (SASA) Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town.
  • 2022 - Constantiaberg Art Society (CAS) Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town.
  • 2022 - Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA)
  • 2022 - Art in the Park, Constantiaberg Art Society (CAS)
  • 2022 - Cape Town International Convention Centre (SASA)
  • 2023 - The South African Society of Artists (SASA) Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town.
  • 2023 - Constantiaberg Art Society (CAS) Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town.
  • 2024 - The South African Society of Artists (SASA) Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town.
  • 2024 - Constantiaberg Art Society (CAS) Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town.
  • 2023/4/5 - Nood Cafe, Newland Cape Town
  • 2025 - The South African Society of Artists (SASA) Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town.
  • 2026 - Washington County Art Alliance Summer Showcase. Brookwood & Shutte Libraries, Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
  • 2026 - Washington County Oregon Open Studios (Reser Gallery)
  • 2026 - Hillsboro Civic Center Oregon Permanent Collection Finalist (Proteas)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I purchase a painting or print from you?

For sales you can contact me directly on my Contact page or through Saatchi Art. SaatchiArt.com/ellencasalena The price you see on Saatchi Art's website includes shipping and insurance. You can also purchase Prints through them in various formats starting at $50.
What is your return Policy?

The return policy of Saatchi Art is that you get a 14 day free return policy. Please read Saatchi Art return policy in detail.
What if a painting is damaged or lost in shipping?

Saatchi Art will refund you in full, or have the option to trade it for another of my paintings
How do you ship your paintings to me?
  1. I cover the artwork face with glassine. Glassine is a smooth, semi-transparent, acid-free paper. It’s pH-neutral and won’t stick to oil paint. It is often used by museums, galleries, and shippers to protect artworks during storage and transport. It protects surfaces from smudging, scuffing, and dust. It also acts as a moisture and grease barrier. It won’t leave fibers or residue (unlike tissue or newsprint).
  2. I include the Certificate of Authenticity.
  3. It is then placed in a heavy duty double-walled plastic-lined top and bottom box to prevent punctures. The artwork floats between thick, soft foam pillows. This is approved by most major air and ground carriers, including UPS and FedEx®.
  4. Saatchi Art then arranges collection from me and ships it to you.
  5. You may also arrange for collection, or use your own shipping and insurance company.
What references do you use for your paintings?

I use my own references, and also paint from live studio models or still life. I photographed my own animals at various South African game reserves, as well as other live photo shoots. I have had the privilege to do photography for my design agency for the past 30 years. Some of my clients had African game lodges and some had premium hospitality businesses in Cape Town South Africa. Though I am now settled in the USA I continue to paint using only my own subject matter and interpretation.
What mediums do you use?

Mostly oil on canvas. I use Gamblin, Windsor & Newton and Georgian Oils, with Princeton brushes being my favorite. I only use Cotton or Linen Canvases stretched on high quality wooden frames mostly 39.4 x 39.4 x 1.5in (1000 x 1000 x 40mm) Some of my newer paintings are 36 x 36 x 1.5 inches
Do you do commisions?

Yes, please send me a brief, size you have in mind, and good references via Saatchi Art
Can I make an offer on your paintings?

Yes you may do so directly through my Contact page, or via Saatchi Art.

Please use my contact page if you have other questions