About the Artist
About Elizabeth England
Elizabeth England began drawing in 5th grade and was largely self taught until she began attending the Driftless Art Academy in Rochester, MN. Elizabeth quickly realized that she enjoyed oil painting. She started with one class a week at the art academy, then completed a 100 hour painting intensive and became a full time student at the end of her 11th grade year of high school. Her favorite subject to paint is portraits, however, she also enjoys flowers and pets as well.
Elizabeth recently graduated from Rochester Community and Technical College with high honors in an Associate of Fine Art degree. Elizabeth is a member of the Oil Painter's of America, and The Portrait Society of America.
Artist Statement:
Why do people find realistic, painted representations of people beautiful? As a portrait artist, I have been considering the answer to that question. As a Christian, I believe that people have dignity and worth. People are very critical of themselves and are constantly trying to change things that they don’t like because they don’t feel good enough
When people see what they look like to an artist, they see dignity, value, and beauty. I think that reflects the dignity that God created humans with. We are all made in God’s image and yet, we are all completely different, even down to our fingerprints! There is a story behind every person. Artists are the lucky ones who capture those stories.
Selected Awards:
2026
The Alemnara Art Prize- Longlisted
Second Place Oil Painters of America Student Competition 19-23 Division
https://www.oilpaintersofamerica.com/awardees?show_id=121417
2025
18th International Art Renewal Center Salon Competition- Finalist
https://www.artrenewal.org/18th-arc-salon#/artwork/Just-be-Held/Elizabeth-England/48909
18th International Art Renewal Center Salon Competition- Semi Finalist
https://www.artrenewal.org/18th-arc-salon#/artwork/Well-Done/Elizabeth-England/48914
The Art Animals International Juried Art Exhibition- Finalist
https://www.wildheartgallery.com/post/the-art-of-animals-2025-international-juried-art-exhibition
2024
Minnesota State Fair- Grand Prize for grade 12
Celebrating Art National Student Competition- Top Ten Winner for grades 10-12
Oil Painters of America Susanna Aitchison MacSporran Memorial Scholarship recipient
https://www.oilpaintersofamerica.com/susanna-aitchison-macsporran-memorial-scholarship-application/
2023
Minnesota State Fair- Grand Prize for grade 11
Lanesboro Art in the Park- Best Emerging Artist
RCTC Student Exhibition Award
Exhibitions
2026
Almenara Art Prize Online Exhibition
America Artist Professional League Juried Open Online Exhibition
Oil Painters of America 35th National Exhibition
Publications
2026
35th Annual National Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils - Oil Painters of America
International Realism 17th/18th ARC Salon Book
2025
Artwork Featured in The ECHO Rochester Community and Technical College Newspaper
2024
Top Ten Winner in the Celebrating Art book
Teaching
Driftless Art Academy Instructor - Oil Painting Studio Program
Education
Driftless Art Academy
Rochester Community and Technical College
Minnesota Virtual Academy- High School
