The bright, engaging work of Jean Ellen Sotansky encourages excitement. Since 2021, when she founded Loves Colors LLC, Jean Ellen has been transforming walls into conversation pieces and labels into centerpieces.

Jean Ellen has turned the Druthers Brewing Company beer can into her canvas. She’s designed more than 50 labels for the brand but because she was often given a lot of creative freedom, these cool cans, with their layers of geometric shapes and rich color palette, carry Jean Ellen’s signature style.

After earning her Bachelors of Arts Degree from Purchase College in printmaking and painting, Jean Ellen, a Saratoga Springs High School alum, returned to the area and has been making her mark here since. Her murals grace many local hotspots including Hattie’s Chicken Shack, Osteria Danny, Broadway Druthers, and more. The energetic Lago by Druthers mural, at 550 Lake Avenue, was painted at a record pace. It features a dazzling sunset so saturated with color that it can perk-up even the cloudiest of days.

While working with the national Organic Valley brand, Jean Ellen painted a mural on the wall of D’Andrea’s Pizza depicting a bucolic scene and native wildlife. Flowers are front and center in her Malta Ave Elementary School mural, and Jean Ellen returned to Maple Ave Middle School for a cool cafeteria mural that promotes a transformative idea, “When you can be anything, be the kind one,” she said.

Positivity flows through Jean Ellen’s body of work. Growing up in a family of seven, she was given the freedom to follow her bliss, explore her own interests, and do whatever makes her happy, she said.

Within her inspiring home studio, Jean Ellen layers oils and collage on top of an acrylic base to make patterned pieces that explore the chaos of life and living during this tumultuous time. Her group and solo exhibitions have been displayed on the walls of Uncommon Grounds, as well as the Hub Gallery at the Shirt Factory in Glens Falls.

Jean Ellen’s current collection of digital drawings and high-contrast paintings is a homage to the wonderful women in her life. “I have been lucky enough to have had multiple role models shape me into the woman I am today,” she said. “For any piece I create, I hope people see it and get from it a feeling of happiness, that the colors bring them joy, and a smile. I want them to be a reminder of how beautiful life can be.”

Jean Ellen Sotansky also hosts painting events and completes commissioned portraits, wedding invitation, paintings of puppies, houses, and more. Creating art to preserve your memories. For more information, follow her on Instagram @loves.colors and visit www.lovescolors.com