Elizabeth Hale is an abstract painter based in Los Osos, California. Heavily influenced by the capricious rhythms of the Central Coast, her work explores the tension between rigid structure and organic movement. Her process is a physical one—defined by layering, overpainting, and manipulating surfaces to create a sense of "organic disintegration" that mirrors the shifting coastal landscape.
With a background in both Painting (BFA) and Textile and Surface Design (AA), Elizabeth brings a designer’s eye for pattern and color relationships to her fine art practice. Her current work uses color to surprise the viewer, establishing a dynamic ebb and flow where tight, deliberate marks meet fluid, weathered textures.
Education
University of New Mexico, BFA, Painting
FIDM, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Professional Designate-AA, Textile /Surface Design
Exhibitions
2025
Carmel Modern, Carmel,By-The-Sea, CA (Nov. 13-Jan.2026)
2025
Monterey Biennial,Monterey Art Museum, Monterey CA
2025
Art After Dark, Humankind FT, San Luis Obispo, CA
2024
Open Studio /2248 El Dorado, Los Osos, CA
2024
OSAT Preview exhibit'; Edna Contemporary, San Luis Obispo, CA
2024
'Brushstrokes;'Morro Bay Art Center, Morro Bay, CA
2024
'Small Images'; Atkinson Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA
2023
Open Studio /2248 El Dorado, Los Osos, CA
2023
The Bunker Gallery -OSAT Preview Show , San Luis Obispo, CA
1985
From Darkness into Light. Women's Building Gallery, Los Angeles
1984
Love/Death: 6 Painters, Phillip Bareiss Gallery, Taos, NM
1984
10 Women/Artists; ASA Gallery, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
1983
Daily Bread: Art from Female Experience, Albuquerque Public Library, Albuquerque, NM
1982
Off the Pedestal; Large Scale Sculpture & Installations, Downtown Center for the Arts, Albuquerque, NM
1980
Modern Clues & Mystery Dance, Solo Show; White Oak Gallery, Albuquerque, NM
1980
10 Albuquerque Independents; ASA Gallery, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
1979
Elizabeth Hale + Margaret Farrell; Clarke-Benton Gallery / Central 6 Gallery, Albuquerque, NM
1977-80
Group shows, Clarke-Benton Gallery , Santa Fe, NM
1976
Southwest Biennial, Museum of New Mexico,, Santa Fe, NM
Press
Art in America, Joan Simon. "Report from New Mexico"
1980
Artspace Magazine, William Petersen, "Elizabeth Hale + Margaret Farrell "
1979