Artist Spotlight: Elma Ells Dreesen — Capturing Beauty Before It’s Gone
Seeing the World Differently
Some artists paint what they see.
Others paint what they feel.
For Elma Ells Dreesen, it’s both.
Her work is rooted in a deep awareness of the natural world—its beauty, its fragility, and its constant change. And through her paintings, she invites us to slow down long enough to truly notice it.
At Out of the Box, we’ve had the privilege of sharing her work for years—and it continues to resonate with everyone who sees it .
A Lifelong Pull Toward Art
Elma’s connection to art didn’t begin in a studio.
It began with a feeling.
“Even as a child I recall feeling the extraordinary beauty of this world…”
That instinct—to capture something meaningful and lasting—never left her.
Though life took her in different directions, she eventually returned to study art in the 1980s, where everything clicked. From that point on, painting became not just a passion—but a purpose.
Nature as Both Inspiration & Warning
Elma’s work often centers on landscapes and organic forms.
But look closer, and there’s more beneath the surface.
Her paintings reflect:
- The beauty of nature
- The passage of time
- A quiet awareness of environmental loss
She has spoken openly about her concern that the natural world is shrinking—and her desire to preserve its beauty through her work.
“Beauty is still here… if only we open our eyes to see it.”
That message comes through in every piece.
A Style That Feels Both Real & Emotional
Elma describes herself as a realist—but her work goes beyond realism.
It’s not just what you see.
It’s what you feel.
Her paintings often feature:
- Layered landscapes
- Rich, natural color palettes
- Movement through trees, water, and sky
- A sense of stillness and reflection
They don’t just decorate a wall—they change how a room feels.
Featured Works: Pieces That Stay With You
“Paradise Unveiled”
A larger-scale landscape that draws you in with depth and color—perfect for anchoring a room.
“Wind Among the Gardens”
Soft movement, greenery, and light—this piece feels calm, almost meditative.
“Guardian Tree of Past Memories”
A powerful, grounding composition centered around a single tree—symbolic and striking.
“Almost Touching Two Voyages Through Life”
One of her most emotional works—featuring connection, distance, and shared journey.
“Flatland Tropics”
A vibrant shift in tone—bringing tropical color and life into her signature style.
“Old Pine Sunken Gardens”
Inspired by a familiar Nebraska landscape, this piece feels both local and timeless.
“A Bitter Sweet Day”
Smaller in scale, but rich in feeling—quiet, reflective, and deeply personal.
Each painting offers a different perspective—but all share the same intention:
To help us see more clearly.
Why Original Art Matters
In a world of mass production, original art stands apart.
It offers:
- One-of-a-kind presence
- Emotional connection
- A sense of story and authorship
And with an artist like Elma—whose work is both personal and purposeful—it becomes even more meaningful.
Just In: Pieces to Pair with Art
This week’s new arrivals offer beautiful ways to complement original artwork:
- A large olive green tufted leather ottoman for grounding a space
- Aubergine velvet accent chairs with walnut frames for added richness
- A handcrafted ceramic vessel with sculptural detail
- A woven bench with copper top and metal base
- A vintage winter landscape painting by Oscar Sormani
- A soft striped loveseat in spring tones
- A tall, spiraled wood floor lamp for vertical interest
- A textured leather ottoman with embossed pattern
- A handcrafted mahogany bar stool with brass detail
- A hand-painted console with curved silhouette
These pieces don’t compete with art—they support it.
How to Design Around Art
If you’re bringing original art into your home:
Start with the piece
Pull colors from it
Keep surrounding elements simple
Let it be the focal point
That’s how it shines.
Why Elma’s Work Resonates
Because it reminds us of something we already know—but don’t always stop to notice:
That beauty is still here.
And worth paying attention to.
Visit Out of the Box
With a dedicated gallery space and a long-standing relationship with local and national artists, there’s always something new—and meaningful—to discover.
Open Tuesday – Sunday
New arrivals weekly
Stop in, explore, and find the piece that speaks to you.
FAQs: Buying Original Art
Is original art worth the investment?
Yes—it offers uniqueness, emotional value, and lasting impact.
How do I choose the right piece?
Start with what you’re drawn to—then consider scale and placement.
Does art need to match my décor?
No—contrast often creates a stronger space.
How should I display it?
At eye level, with proper lighting to enhance detail.
Can I build a room around art?
Absolutely—that’s often the best approach.
