Painting for the Cure
Published in Space Coast Living July 2011 Issue
Artist Ellen Chaput donates all profits from the sales of her artwork to benefit cancer-related charities.
Two years ago, Ellen Chaput picked up a paintbrush and started painting. “This was my first attempt at painting anything in twenty years. I have always known art was my first love, but for years was so busy building my insurance practice that art had to go on the back burner. For 25 years, Ellen has worked in the field of employee benefits. As owner of Ellen Chaput Insurance, she specializes in employee benefits and individual and group health insurance.
Life is a journey. You have to be ready to paint. When I was younger, I wasn’t ready; now I am, and art continually flows from my thoughts and on to my paper.
“I took an oil class twenty years ago, but only finished a few paintings because I was allergic to the solvents used to clean the brushes. Two years ago I jumped in head first and have been painting prolifically since. I love painting landscapes, architecture, and flowers. I love to paint happy subjects to help inspire hope, because so many of my paintings are named in honor or in memory of people that have cancer.”
Ellen has been a member of the board of the American Cancer Society for seven years. A twenty-year cancer survivor herself, she lost both of her parents to the disease. Profits from her painting will be donated to the American Cancer Society and the Space Coast Cancer Foundation.
“Life is a journey,” says Ellen. “You have to be ready to paint. When I was younger, I wasn’t ready; now I am, and art continually flows from my thoughts and on to my paper.”
Robert’s Happy Snook
Island Princess
Merit Award Winner Art Gallery of Viera’s 2012 “Brush with Success” juried art show
It’s never too late
- Ellen advises aspiring artists to find a designated area to paint. “Somewhere your paintings and projects are always in view.”
- Paint every day, even if you only have 30 minutes to spare.
- Art books are a great way to improve your skills.
- Study the work of other artists to see how they approach certain subjects.
- Get to know other local artists. “Most artists are more than willing to give you advice that will help you improve your art and develop your own style.”