Dana Ellsworth grew up the only child of an itinerant sign painter, living in and passing through many states before graduating from high school.  His love of the outdoors and the beauty of the western landscape grew as his father taught him to mix colors and do basic drawing.  At the age of fourteen a chance meeting with Oklahoma artist Barbara Vaupel sparked an interest in fine art that has never left him.  However, it would be many years and many vocations before the drifters lifestyle would run it's course.

Eventually Dane attended the Arts Students League in New York where he studied illustration and impressionism.  He went on to study with many other well known and talented artists.  Although he has never tried to paint like anyone else he especially admires the works of Walt Gonske and Robert Daughters.  Of deceased artists he names Matisse as his favorite.

Dane works range from whimsical to nostalgic and generally have their setting the Lone Star State.  He often draws inspiration from writers such as John Graves or Elmer Kelton.  Many of his paintings are started on location and evolve in the studio.  He remarks, "Sometimes I'm just trying to make something decorative because I'm standing in a beautiful place, but other times I start thinking of the history and human drama of a location and the next thing I know I'm telling a story.  I think painting should never be static process so when these is a decision to be made I try to vote in favor of the overall design and composition of the canvas.  While I've been known to make the occasional political statement ultimately I paint for the sheer joy of it and try to remain independent in my approach to art".

Dane Ellsworth is represented in several collections.  He has various memberships and is a signature member of the Outdoor Painters Society.