With Florelles Artistry
By Sara Frazier
Photography by Tamara Merri Photography
South Shore-based artist Christy Elle grew up in a creatively inclined family and has enjoyed painting ever since she was a kid. Her mother was a painter and her sisters are all quite artistic, so it felt only natural when she decided to pick up a paintbrush.
What was primarily a side hobby of Christy’s during college became a dedicated business, Florelles Artistry, in 2023. She says the inspiration to devote more time to her painting practice came from transitioning into the role of a stay-at-home mom and wanting to carve out space for her artistic aspirations.
“I needed to find a part of myself, and an identity besides being a chauffeur and lunch maker,” says Christy. “There’s lots of pride to be had being a stay-at-home mom, and at the same time, you need to find a little bit of you again.”
Christy’s signature textured acrylic paintings primarily feature colorful botanicals and bouquets. Browsing her collection online, you’ll find large-scale florals like hydrangeas, the vibrant blue blooms often found around Massachusetts. She also has a penchant for painting iconic New England buildings and quaint cottages. “I paint what I see, and what makes me feel moved at the moment,” explains Christy.
"I paint what I see, and what makes me feel moved at the moment."
— Artist Christy Elle
While original floral paintings are her bread and butter, Christy’s work has also led her to create custom signs for local businesses, like Firehouse Flowers in Plymouth. She’s also painted people, like the custom portrait commissioned by New England-based influencer Jen Fogelson, and has produced the occasional pet portrait.
“It’s really fun to paint things that somebody has asked me to paint, because it’s something they deeply care about,” says Christy. “It’s also nerve-wracking, because you want to portray something they love in a light they appreciate.”
Looking to add some coastal and botanical-inspired artwork to your home? Florelles Artistry accepts commissions for custom pieces (simply purchase a consult deposit on the website, to be credited toward your painting) and offers rotating seasonal collections.
In the past, Christy has created a “Feeling Floral” spring collection and a “Summer Dreamy Blue Hydrangea” collection, featuring notecards, coasters, and prints, in addition to original paintings. Next, she plans to create a holiday painting collection highlighting cozy New England cottages blanketed in snow, wanting to portray familiar wintertime scenes.