Ellen F Shire

Ellen Shire is a New York artist whose painting career melds the artistic history of the city of her birth with the historical richness of Europe.

Ms. Shire, the daughter of an original Martha Graham dancer (and painter) and whose father was a founding member of the original Manhattan String Quartet, was herself a member of the New York City Ballet under the direction of George Balanchine.

She also found parallel success as the writer and illustrator of more than seven children's books - one of which was a finalist for a National Book Award.

After her tenure with the NYCB, Ms. Shire divided her time between New York and Europe, focusing on abstract painting. But she continued to create amusing and serious drawings.

“The funny characters I create each have a little story to tell within the framework of the drawing. I could never stop making up these characters. To stop would feel as if I had abandoned good friends. My dance training adds to my feeling for the movement of the characters I draw.

“I also enjoy creating line drawings, mainly in black and white with now and then some added color for accent and contrast.”

Ms. Shire’s paintings may be viewed at

BIBLIOGRAPHY

THE DANCING WITCH McGraw-Hill 196...