M. Ellen Cocose began painting and drawing at the age of 9. In her youth she studied art and classical piano at internationally renowned Interlochen. She continued her art education at college in Florence, Italy, University of Illinois, and Columbia, where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

For over a decade she had her own commercial/advertising studio in Chicago. Yearning to go back to her fine art roots, Ellen left the advertising world, and has since worked exclusively as a fine artist.

Cocose’s original artwork is in galleries nationwide, and may be found in private and corporate collections worldwide, including Beverly Hills, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, New York City, London and Paris.

The mystery of M. Ellen Cocose’s artwork extends well beyond the sublime vision of the world she creates. Her work envelops the senses, igniting within the viewer a memory of an experience, a place visited or simply the hope of one’s dreams and desires. Her work evokes quiet contemplation. The commonality in Ellen’s different series of artwork is her use of light and shadow to create movement and mood. Cocose’s vision and technique combine to create works that have been described as serene and ethereal.

About the Technique

Like the mystery her work evokes, so is her technique. “How do you do that?” is always asked of her.

Ellen’s technique is an assimilation of various combinations of painting, multilayered backgrounds, layers of glazes, inks, black and white photographic elements, and her own blend of textural compounds.