In Conversation: Ella Carty
We’re pleased to welcome artist Ella Carty to our team of artist tutors for 2026! We managed to catch her during a packed schedule, so we took the chance to sit down and learn more about her practice and the way she works.
Ella Carty is a painter who investigates her own experiences of the world. Her paintings incorporate a love of colour and pattern, absorbing and interpreting her surroundings, she treads a fine line between representation and abstraction with the aim of sparking the viewer’s curiosity.
Ella studied BA Fine Art: Painting at Cheltenham College of Art (1990 – 94) and is a member of the Newlyn Society of Artists. Working from a studio at Art Centre Penryn in Cornwall where she lives, Ella also exhibits her paintings nationally and internationally and is currently represented by Morgans in Falmouth and Gala Fine Art in Bristol.
What belief about art or creativity has stayed with you the longest?
To follow your own intuition, not to be put off by the opinion of others. Keep pushing your own boundaries. I think as artists we have to repeatedly fail, usually many times, before getting an outcome you’re happy with. I have a lot of paintings which aren’t working well in my studio at the moment, they are all turned to the wall until I get the urge to change them.
What do you do when you hit a creative block – push through or step away?
Both! Sometimes I treat myself to something from an art shop which I’ve never used before and this might be a challenge that leads to a different direction. But sometimes I need to step away and take a break. Because I live in Cornwall, I’m really lucky that I have some beautiful landscapes to walk in and that’s great for getting the creative juices flowing again.
How does your workspace setup influence the way you create?
It’s probably more a case of the way I create dictates how my studio is set up! I work with the canvas flat on a table or trestle legs as I often use liquid mediums like acrylic ink. Sometimes I lay the canvas on the floor too if it’s big, then I can pour, spatter and slide the pigments around with various implements.
What’s your ideal soundtrack whilst you work, or do you prefer silence?
It depends what I’m doing. If I’m really focused on making a painting, I find I can’t really concentrate with music or any kind of sound on. But if I’m priming surfaces or doing something a bit less cerebral and a bit more functional, then I’ll listen to podcasts, radio or sometimes music. But more and more I enjoy silence.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned that changed how you approach your art?
I think you’ve got to really, really want to do it. It’s not always easy.
If you could spend a day in any artist’s studio (past or present), whose would it be?
Matisse!
What colour do you associate with your happiest memory?
I do love the bright yellow of daffodils that emerge every year at the end of Winter, signifying the start of Spring.
What’s a creative risk you’re proud you took?
Giving up my job and starting again as a painter in my late 30’s.
Is there a quote (art-related or not) that you find yourself returning to?
Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes.
Walt Whitman
How has your definition of “success” in art changed over time?
I think it’s forever changing, feelings of success come and go, I think that’s inevitable. The secret is to keep being playful and pushing your own boundaries and to please only yourself. It’s harder than it sounds.
You can see more of Ella’s work on website: ellacarty.com Or join Ella on her course here at St Ives School of Painting: Exploring Colour with Acrylic Inks
3/12/2025
Share on
Related Stories
A Glimpse Inside St Ives School of Painting in 1948
Historic footage of our founder Leonard Fuller offers a rare window into the early years of St Ives School of Painting – and reveals how much of its creative spirit remains familiar today. Another World, a short film preserved by the BFI National Archive, takes viewers through the streets, harbour and artistic community of post-war...
The Guardian - How I learned to paint in St Ives
In November 2024, we were joined by author and journalist, Wyl Meinmuir on our Discover Painting course led by Ilker Cinarel. From a novice painter’s perspective, he followed the course with a write up for readers of The Guardian, you can read more below! Written by Wyl Meinmuir A novice painter finds the artistic heritage...
Give the Gift of Art
Are you pondering on what to get your creative loved ones this Christmas?
What about an unforgettable experience, which will leave them feeling creatively inspired as we go into the new year.