Elie Bou Zeidan - Master Artist / Owner Studio Elie
Elie Bou Zeidan renders striking naturalistic paintings, capturing simple moments and sensual revelations in every stroke. A classical painter throughout, his works ignite the deepest visceral longing for aesthetic release. He meditates on the human lust for beauty in pictures which capture the light and effortlessness of allure and attraction. As Kahlil Gibran astutely observed, "Art arises when the secret vision of the artist and the manifestation of nature agree to find new shapes." Indeed Bou Zeidan uses deft technical facility to conjure the textures and luminance of naturalistic subjects in each of his varied works. The classicism of his works suggests a strong influence from classical French art, as his meticulous renderings reveal a "unique ability to blend European style with the ambiance of the Orient." Working in alternatively lively and muted color palettes, Bou Zeidan vacillates mediums from oil on linen canvas, to oil on wood, to pastels or even Chinese ink. In his paintings he confirms the timeless aphorism, "art completes what nature cannot bring to a finish. “A master of still-lives, landscapes, and nudes, Bou Zeidan descends from Ablah, Lebanon, where he began painting at a very early age. After he fled Lebanon to escape the turmoil of civil war, he moved to France, and currently lives In The USA Cornelius North Carolina. His work is widely collected in Europe and the United States.
Chrissy Samson~Certified Bob Ross® Instructor & Soiree Lead
With the full education and endorsement of Bob Ross, Inc.® Chrissy is certified to teach Bob Ross' Joy Of Painting® Landscape Classes. A Certified Ross Instructor (CRI®) she teaches Bob Ross Workshops in NC at Studio Elie and in Dunedin & Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. Following in Bob's philosophy of making art accessible to all, Chrissy presents her workshops in an upbeat, friendly and inclusive atmosphere where even the most novice artist is welcome. “We don’t make mistakes; we just have happy accidents”.
With over 15 years of teaching experience, Chrissy leads group and private parties at Studio Elie. Highly sought after as one of our areas most engaging and refreshingly fun sip & paint artists, guiding students step by step through acrylic paint parties. With improvisational and interactive group events, classes are entertaining, memorable and enjoyable for all.
Kortney Gibson~Pet Portrait Instructor & Soiree Lead
With more than ten years practical experience in both commissioned and group-lead animal portraiture teaching, Kortney brings her love of pets and passion for painting to her classes earning her the distinction of being one of the most sought-after Pet Portrait Artists in our area.
With extensive experience leading students in both acrylic and oil mediums, she can diversify to meet the varying needs of student's knowledge base. Whether the very beginner or a seasoned artist adding pet portraiture to the repertoire, Kortney leads with expertise, patience and encouraging confidence.
Kortney is also well-known as a fun, knowledgeable and engaging sip & paint/private party artist adaptable to all age and experience levels. She is a valued member of Studio Elie's Artistic staff.
Linda Griffin ~ Watercolor Instructor
Linda Griffin loves color! She likes to dive in and let the piece evolve as she works. She prefers not to do much drawing in the beginning, feeling this restricts her creativity. She often changes colors in the middle of a piece. The drawing then begins near the end of a creation, after she’s seen where the composition is leading. Linda loves to make corrections using various methods hoping to take away the fear students may have that watercolor is “scary”. Growing up in Europe, as the daughter of an Army officer, it was there her love of architecture and travel developed. Extensively traveling, usually to search for new painting inspiration, Griffin began her art career painting in oils. Her first sales were commissions of the Victorian Bed and Breakfasts in Cape May, New Jersey where she often vacationed. Subsequently a DC based Realtor, she discovered her renderings and began doing these in watercolor for realtors around the DC, Northern VA and MD regions. While working part time as a dental hygienist, her boss encouraged a gallery to be hung in the office. Soon, patients began collecting her work. From there her opportunities evolved. She was invited five times to exhibit solo at the University Club in Washington DC. Linda was featured in six Decorator Showhouses around the DC area. The Marriott Corporation commissioned her to paint 28 watercolors for their new J.W. Marriott hotels opening around the country. She was commissioned by a Tokyo based Japanese Corporation to paint 26 watercolors for their President. Subsequently opening and maintaining her own gallery, Waterside Watercolors in Occoquan, Virginia (a tourist destination town in suburbs of DC). After 8 years she decided to move to NC and now lives in the Charlotte metro area.