For artist and animal advocate Ellen Blakely, creativity has always been about more than paint on canvas — it’s about purpose.
A lifelong artist and passionate animal lover, Ellen has spent decades perfecting her craft while dedicating herself to helping animals in need. Through the Ellen Blakely Foundation, she beautifully merges those two passions, using her artwork to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals throughout Tampa Bay.
For artist and animal advocate Ellen Blakely, creativity has always been about more than paint on canvas — it’s about purpose.
A lifelong artist and passionate animal lover, Ellen has spent decades perfecting her craft while dedicating herself to helping animals in need. Through the Ellen Blakely Foundation, she beautifully merges those two passions, using her artwork to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals throughout Tampa Bay.
Every piece of art purchased directly supports the foundation’s mission and helps provide a better future for animals in need.
Ellen officially entered the art world in 1970 after studying at the University of Michigan and graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Fine Art. She later earned a degree in commercial art, strengthening her drawing abilities and expanding her creative foundation. Over the years, she continued studying watercolor, pastel, acrylic, and oil painting through workshops and mentorships.
While watercolor became one of her greatest artistic challenges, Ellen embraced the traditional approach taught by master watercolorist William Wensley of the American Watercolor Society — avoiding opaque white and allowing the medium’s transparency to shine naturally through her work.
Today, Ellen’s vibrant paintings capture the beauty of nature while helping support another lifelong passion: animals. Her love for animals began as a child when her father would regularly bring home stray dogs for the family to care for and rehome. That compassion stayed with her throughout her life.
“I’ve always had a dog,” Ellen says. “They’re just the most incredible creatures. They give unconditional love and I think when you do adopt or rescue them, they know it.”
Ellen’s dedication to animal welfare extends far beyond her foundation. A longtime supporter and ambassador for SPCA Tampa Bay, she now serves as a capital campaign advisor helping support the organization’s vision for a “Better Way Home” for animals. Alongside her beloved dog Sophie, Ellen also hosts Palm Trees and Paws each spring — an event benefiting SPCA Tampa Bay and bringing together fellow animal lovers in support of the cause.
For Ellen, art has become something deeply personal: a way to inspire, connect, and give back. “Painting gives me purpose,” she says. “It gives me a reason to get up everyday.” Through her generosity, talent, and compassion, Ellen Blakely continues to make Tampa Bay a more beautiful place — for both people and animals alike.
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