Ellie Kirby lives and works in the mountains of Southwest Virginia. She has enjoyed doing art since childhood, when she was enchanted by watching her grandmother paint. Her favorite media are watercolor and wood block prints. The beauty of nature and the scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains are her biggest inspirations. She often gets ideas while working in the garden, hiking in the mountains, or canoeing on the New River.
 
Ellie also writes and illustrates children's books. Most of her books are based on old mountain stories. Family and friends model for the characters in the illustratons. Ellie has written and illustrated four picture books.
 
In 1979, Ellie received a B.A. from the University of the South with a major in Fine Art. She also has a teaching certificate in art and a M.A. in Educational Media from Appalachian State University. She has worked both as a full-time artist and as an art teacher. Her work can be seen at a variety of galleries and craft stores. She has been a member of the Southern Highlands Craft Guild since 1986.
 
Ellie and her husband Roald live on a farm near Troutdale, VA. They have two grown daughters. In their spare time they enjoy playing old time music.

Portrait Photo by Rosy Kirby