Elaine Pratt

I create rich, layered, dreamlike experiences, drenched in color and mood. My large trove of images provides material to use as paint brushes. These are woven in complicated layered aggregates, each layer affecting others, until the details of most images blend into the whole. I encourage the wild pixels and visual artifacts that result to be part of the art, like Impressionists proudly let their brush strokes show. This process emerged from years of experience in award-winning graphic design and abstract expression. I gravitate toward the dramatic interplay of light on; cloud formations, mountains, trees, plants, rocks, and ripples on water. Global warming is alarming, I hope to in my way raise awareness. Women’s equality and interpersonal drama weave their way into my art. Sometimes the meaning takes a hard turn or a playful spin. I follow my creative lead till it clicks. The process is very immersive and meditative.
I crave the complexity that arises from my technique: My work is dreamlike, a world of shapes and colors to get lost in. I enjoyed combining photographic imagery for my design clients every chance I got; one of these pieces is in the Smithsonian. Through abstract art, I embrace the happy accident. The abstract arise...

2003 – August Painting Residency, Taos NM
1999 – 2003 – Studied with Lois Tarlow, A distinguished artist and journalist.
1983 – Bachelors Degree: University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Art and Architecture
1978 – Present – Creative Director/Graphic Design/Photographer/Illustrator/Professor/Fine Artist.
Winning over 100 national and international design awards including a Clio, being in the Smithsonian’s permanent collection. Published in national and international design publications. Teaching design at Mass College of Art and Art Institute of Boston
Judging scholarship/design/advertising award shows.

Solo Shows
2024, Nov – Mar – Commonwealth Club World Affairs, SF, CA
2024, May – July – Kings’ Gallery, UUSF Center, SF, CA
2017, April – June – Progressive Grounds Coffee Shop Gallery, SF, CA
2015, November – January – Thomas Star King Gallery, UUSF Center, SF, CA

3 Person Shows
2023 February – June “Fresh Beginnings” Mission Bowling Club, SF, CA
2002, November – Zeitgeist Gallery, Cambridge, MA

48+ Juried and Curated Group Exhibitions