Ethan Walsh is a self-taught painter whose work explores the emotional resonance of place, light, and atmosphere. Originally from Vermont, Ethan grew up immersed in the natural beauty of New England, where his appreciation for landscape first took root. He began painting in 2007 in a garage in San Diego, drawn to the challenge of capturing form and light. After moving to Cambridge, MA, he joined a vibrant artist community, refining his voice and experimenting with styles that ranged from illustrative to photorealistic. In 2018, Ethan relocated to the Monterey Peninsula—a move that marked a turning point in his artistic journey. Initially focused on precision and realism, his work gradually shifted toward a more expressive and intuitive approach. Today, his plein air and studio paintings evoke the mood and movement of the California coast, using bold brushwork and a dynamic interplay of light and color. “The coastline here is alive—constantly shifting with fog, sun, and wind,” Ethan says. “Whether I’m painting outdoors or in the studio, my goal is to translate that energy onto the canvas and share the sense of wonder I feel in the landscape.” In 2025, he was honored with the “Best Plein Air Landscape” award with the Plein Air Salon monthly competition. He will be featured in the Plein Air Magazine June print and online editions, as well as Fine Art Connoisseur online edition. His work has been exhibited in several galleries across the Monterey Peninsula. Ethan now paints both landscapes and portraiture from his Pacific Grove gallery, Gallery Nila—a space named after his children, Nico and Mila.