Full of textural intricacies and compressed with a flattened perspective, Jaime Ellsworth’s paintings are rich with depth and symbolism that unfold beneath her simple style.

Her paintings are created using many layers of oil or acrylic paint beginning with a limited palette of bold colors. Subsequent layers allow the under-paint to peek through and transparent glazes give the final surface a subtle tint. With each work, she invites the viewer to look at the simplicity of the images, then beyond, opening a door to their own perceptions.

Jaime paints at Windy Gallery and Studios and in a small studio attached to a barn at her home on San Juan Island where she’s lived for 40 years. Her many dogs, mini horse, Pokey and donkey, Linus stand by munching on treats while she paints, often adding textural details or a stray hair or two to the artwork.