Gwen Ethelbah

Raised in Carmel within a deeply rooted artistic environment, she was originally expected to pursue science and studied at UC Berkeley before ultimately following her path as an artist. Despite years spent as the primary breadwinner, she remained committed to painting, drawing inspiration from American Impressionism, West Coast traditions, and her mother, Flora Macdonald.

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She has been actively involved with Women Artists of the West and Plein Air Painters of New Mexico, and is the founder of Joyous Lake Gallery in Arizona, as well as the creator of the “Paint the Aspens” plein air event.

Influenced by artists such as Maynard Dixon and Edward Hopper, her work centers on landscape, capturing a strong and recognizable sense of place. Now based in New Mexico, she continues to paint in an impressionistic realist style shaped by years of study and dedication at the easel.