Brennan Ellis - Artist Page

05/28/2026

Up early this morning, working on the next project. Here, I have my color palette mapped out. It’s going to be a true original, narrative piece (non commissioned). It’s rich with a lot of warm colors - in one area.

As we approach Father’s Day, I think it’s a message that will be an emotional gut punch, that will resonate for a lot of dads.

And that’s all you’re going to get out of me. 🤫🤐 Stay tuned…

05/28/2026

Another project completed for a wonderful family! ✅👍🏻✍🏼

Commissions now being accepted on a limited basis. See investment guide for details.

05/24/2026

05/24/2026

Humbled. Blown Away. Surprised. Grateful. Still pumped.

The Alabama The Beautiful juried exhibition at the Johnson Center for the Arts concluded Thursday night with the artists’ reception…

…and I can now announce that….it was my honor to take home FIRST PLACE for my piece, “Blue Moon Over Downtown Troy.”

While I had a few pieces in the county fair back in middle and high school, this was my first attempt at an exhibition for adults/professionals.

I think at this point, colored pencil - made to look like oil on canvas - is my forte. I love the medium, the way that it allows for sharp, precision details and excellent blending. While my pieces are technically drawings, the techniques used have little in common with drawing as it’s usually understood. It has way more in common with oil painting. And given how frequently they get mistaken for paintings…well, I asked a friend in a text yesterday, “at what point do I just roll with it and call them that?” 😂

I want to take a moment to recognize all of the artists who were accepted into this exhibition. There was a whole lot of talent in that room. And while I am blessed to have been selected for the first prize, I want to be clear that ANY one of these great folks would’ve been worthy of this. Their talent, heart, and dedication to their craft commands my respect.

All glory to God, who gives me the strength and talent to do what I do. Let’s just say there are many moments when I’ve stared at the paper and my mind is like, “I’m stumped. Help me.” And yet, it always works out beautifully in the end, and that’s not due to any genius on my part, but through the hand and creativity of the Creator who guides me.

To my wife and girls, this moment belongs to y’all as well. Thank you for understanding when I need to shut my door and work hard to meet a deadline for a commission. For being there for me through the late nights, and the brutal emotional whiplash that sometimes comes with this lifestyle. Thank you, girls, for your sweet bragging on your daddy. You probably talk me up far beyond what I deserve, but know that it’s always cherished. And I don’t care if I someday sell a piece for millions. Nothing makes me more fulfilled than sitting down and drawing with you kiddos.

To Mama and Dad, thank you for realizing this potential in me early on and encouraging me to create, not merely consume. I was probably mad at you for not getting me the Nintendo back in the day and making me draw pictures instead. But today? I see the wisdom in that.

My friends! So many of y’all! With the caveat of, “I can’t name everyone because I’m afraid I’ll forget someone and that would be bad,” I’ll refrain from that. But if you’re still reading this long missive at this point, you’re probably one of my people, lol. I appreciate those of you who have commissioned my work in these last 2.5 years, for showing up and taking a chance on me before I’d even really proven myself. And most of all, for the many kind words. I love it when you pull me aside at a football game, or a kids’ field trip, or the cereal aisle at Publix to tell me how much my art inspires you. I promise you that this will never get old, and I know that I will NEVER be so busy that I won’t take all the time you need to chat - and enjoy every bit of it - because that’s what it’s all about. I hope I convey that well enough!

Love y’all. Thanks for everything! On to whatever the next step in this adventure brings…

05/20/2026

04/25/2026

See you at TroyFest this weekend! 🎨🖼️

I won’t have a booth (Most of my business is commission-based; still working on getting up enough of a body of work to sell prints), but I encourage you to check out all of the many talented artists, artisans, and craftspeople that this area has.

Also, you can check out my two original pieces that are on display at the Johnson Center for the Arts, part of the Alabama the Beautiful/America 250 collection: Don’t Tell Your Mama!” along with “Blue Moon Over Downtown Troy.”

Have a great weekend!

03/23/2026

Without question, the best testimonial I’ve ever received. 🥹

I keep it in my art bag, and read it often, especially if it’s been one of those days.

(Excuse her spelling. We’re working on that, and it came from the heart!)

03/11/2026

Well, this made my day!

I can now announce that I had two works of art selected for the Alabama The Beautiful juried exhibition, commemorating the 250th birthday of the United States this year. The exhibition will be at the Johnson Center for the Arts and will run through July.

Whether I win the competition or not, I’m honored just to be selected. I know there will be an abundance of artistic talent represented, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

02/23/2026

It’s good to see one of these out in the wild! Thank you, Nathanael Dickson, for your support.