Elizabeth Black Bio

Elizabeth Black Bio

Elizabeth Black worked for many years as a river guide in the Grand Canyon and on other western rivers.  She first painted watercolors on a raft trip down the Canyon in 1975.  When the boat carrying her sketches flipped, all of her paintings got soaked, and about half were improved immensely by their swim.  That incident gave her a tiny glimpse of the exciting potential ahead.


She and her husband, landscape photographer Christopher Brown, are still exploring the west together, by boat and on foot, carrying their art-making equipment to the most scenic spots they can find.  "I want my paintings to open peoples' eyes to our paradise here on earth, and to work for the preservation of their own treasured landscapes."


Elizabeth frequently paints on location in the heart of the scene, to gather source material and understand her subject better.  She produces her large finished works in the controlled environment of her studio.  "The excitement of painting on location, of dealing with the elements and rapidly changing light, can't be beat.  I  believe that the two styles of painting, on location and studio work inform and enlighten each other."


"Recently more of my paintings have been about "quiet places"; modest landscapes that have their own special beauty, but which often escape notice.  I often include creatures in my paintings to provide a bridge into the scene for my viewers.  I would like my viewers to imagine themselves living in harmony with the natural world just like the creatures in my work do."


Named as an Artist to Watch by "Southwest Art Magazine" in 2010, Elizabeth's work has also been featured in " American Artist", "Art and Architecture", " Art of the National Parks", "Cowboys and Indians", "Plein Air Magazine", and "Western Art Collector".  Elizabeth has won numerous awards for her paintings including: The Grand Canyon Celebration of Art and the Loveland Museum Biennial.  Her work is in many private and public collections including The Grand Canyon National Park, The Rocky Mountain National Park, and The Community Foundation.  Her work is exhibited in locations throughout the Rocky Mountain states.


"Nature remains my inspiration and best teacher.  When I get stuck, it's time to head outside.  There are visions just around the bend."

Share by: