Dana Ellyn
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Dana Ellyn · contemporary narrative painter from Washington, DC

Projects & series

Dana Ellyn’s long-term projects delve deep into history, politics, and society, using bold, narrative-driven paintings to explore complex themes. From reinterpreting historical events to examining contemporary issues, each series offers a unique perspective on the world around us. Click through to see the full collection of paintings within each project and explore how art and storytelling come together in Ellyn’s work.

A woman and a man with martinis at a table over copies of The Washington Post and The New York Times
01 · with Matt Sesow

31 Days in July

2003–2013

31 Days in July is a decade-long project by Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow, running from 2003 to 2013. Each July, they created one painting per day inspired by current events, culminating in 310 paintings each—a powerful visual record of history as it unfolded. Originally guided by the front page of The Washington Post, they later expanded to global news sources to highlight stories of historical and political significance. Every painting was completed on the day it was inspired, reinforcing their dedication to documenting world events from Washington, DC.

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A girl in a red striped robe covers her ears and runs across a green field as virus particles fill the sky
02

COVID-19 Pandemic Paintings

2020–2022

Dana Ellyn’s COVID-19 Pandemic Paintings capture the fear, uncertainty, and resilience of life during a global crisis. Created between 2020 and 2022, this series reflects on the personal and societal challenges of the pandemic with her signature bold, narrative-driven style. From the loneliness of isolation to the surreal new norms, each painting offers a window into an unprecedented moment in history.

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Abstract painting of a figure holding a martini glass, in blocks of pink, yellow, red and blue
03

Abstract Paintings

Dana Ellyn’s Abstracts series marks a bold departure into non-representational art, exploring the emotive power of color, form, and texture. This collection invites viewers to engage with the paintings on a visceral level, encouraging personal interpretation and emotional response.

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Odessa and her Yella Gals: five women in a bar with red walls, one seated and wearing a gold crown
04

DC Heritage Trail

2013

In 2013, Dana Ellyn began a series of paintings inspired by the Cultural Tourism DC Neighborhood Heritage Trails, capturing the rich history, landmarks, and characters that define Washington, DC. From Greater U Street to Mount Pleasant, Adams Morgan, and Downtown, each painting brings to life a moment from the city's past—transforming the trail’s historical markers into a compelling visual narrative.

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Portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg painted on the cover of Louisa M. Alcott’s Old-Fashioned Girl
05

Paintings on Books

Dana Ellyn's Paintings on Books series transforms vintage book covers into canvases, reimagining classic narratives through bold visual storytelling. Each piece adds new layers of meaning, inviting viewers to see familiar stories in a fresh way.

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George Washington holding an axe beside Pinocchio on a tree stump under cherry trees
06

Year of Presidents

2008–2009

Year of Presidents is a series by Dana Ellyn featuring a painting for each U.S. president throughout history, along with portraits of key candidates from the 2008 presidential race. She began the series in January 2008 and completed the final painting on Inauguration Day in 2009.

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Jesus, a statue of a bearded god holding a trident, and Ganesha sit side by side on a bench, each holding a numbered ticket
07

10 Commandments

2007

Dana Ellyn’s 10 Commandments Series (2007) reimagines the Ten Commandments through a modern, satirical lens. Each painting challenges traditional interpretations, exploring themes of morality, hypocrisy, and contemporary society with bold, thought-provoking imagery.

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Portrait of a smiling woman in blue star-shaped glasses and a red-and-white striped shirt
08

Star-Spangled Banner

Dana Ellyn’s Star-Spangled Banner Series reinterprets the U.S. national anthem, challenging its patriotic symbolism with bold, insightful commentary. Each painting examines themes of nationalism, war, and American identity.

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New paintings

Dana Ellyn is a full-time painter based in Washington, DC. She typically creates several new paintings each week, posting them here upon completion.

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