Janis is a native Californian who found herself living in New Mexico in the mid 1990's. She was drawn to the dramatic landscape of New Mexico and began taking pastel classes from Deborah Christiansen (Secor). Janis found her tribe and painted alongside her friends and mentors in the budding days of the early pastel painters of this century. Her love of nature and the outdoors was a natural companion to her passion for painting plein-air and continual quest to share her view through her paintings.

In 2006, Janis moved to Grant's Pass, Oregon, where the pristine setting of her new home provides endless inspiration for her work. Her honors include signature status in Pastel Society of New Mexico, Sierra Pastel Society, and Northwest Pastel Society. Janis has been published in The Pastel Artists International Magazine and won numerous prestigious awards in regional, national and international shows.

All artwork ©Janis Ellison