BURNS-
ELHASSOUNI
STUDIO
Making Memories into a Masterpiece
ABOUT
Amanda Burns-Elhassouni
Amanda Burns-Elhassouni is a contemporary realist painter, illustrator, portrait artist, and mixed media explorer for over 20 years with a Master of Fine Arts degree in Illustration from Academy of Art University in San Francisco and Bachelor of Fine Arts from Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington D.C. She is the creator and artist at Burns-Elhassouni Studio, her body of work: drawings, paintings and mixed media pieces are taken from her photographs of travels to places such as Morocco and inspiration from everyday life. She also specializes in commissioned portrait painting and drawing as well as projects for clients who want a special moment, place or occasion captured in a fine artwork. Amanda has shown in numerous exhibitions at galleries, museums and venues throughout the United States.
As an undergraduate student, Amanda taught art to kids ages 5-18 through various outreach programs within Washington D.C. and at Corcoran’s Children’s Workshop summer arts program. Since starting her own studio, she has branched out to teaching privately and to small groups of children in her home in South Orange, New Jersey, along with the South Orange Maplewood Adult School Summer Program and through Renaissance Art Studio in Millburn, New Jersey.
CUSTOM ARTWORK
"With my unique ability to capture moments, people and places,
I will make your memories a masterpiece!"
Most of us have captured wonderful, sacred and unique moments in our life through a photograph. Why not take that moment and make it into a beautiful piece of art to be displayed in your home and that you will treasure forever. I love doing this type of work simply because it has such special meaning to the person who receives it. Many times these commissioned artworks are done as gifts for loved one's and friends. They are unique and cannot be duplicated in a store, becoming heirlooms that can be passed down to other generations as a piece of family history.
INTERESTED IN HAVING A CUSTOM ARTWORK MADE BY ME?
Fill out my inquiry form below with as much detail as you can provide and I will promptly respond.
Fine Art Portraits
TESTIMONIALS
Each of my clients is special to me. I pride myself in making sure that you will not only be thrilled with the artwork but the experience as a whole. They say you are only as good as your client's happiness, so here are some testimonials to provide you with their thoughts and experiences.
"I was very fortunate to come across Amanda. Her name was given to me by another artist who recommended her for a project I was looking to have done. I have used Amanda on a total of 3 different art pieces. All have been jaw dropping amazing and simply perfection. She is so easy to work with. She has painted portraits of family and has made their memory shine through her work. I could go on and on about her amazing talent. I was truly blessed to have found her and plan to continue to use her artistic talents later on in the future. Again, I could go on and on with how amazing she is!"
- Jessica Tippins
"Amanda has an unusual and exceptional ability to capture the spirit of her subjects. She is gifted in rendering and composition but even more so in her ability to translate the essence of what she portrays in her pieces. She is passionate about producing meaningful work that enhances the lives of her customers. I have worked with her for years and am amazed at her range, her attitude and her talent. You will never regret Commissioning Amanda and you will cherish any and all work she does for you."
- Nicole Athey
"Your work is more than a piece of art. You capture every single detail with exceptional love. I loved working with you and your time to deliver the product.
Definitely recomended and will continue to work with you for future orders."
-Paola Laino
"Its always such a pleasure to work with someone who is truly passionate about what they do. Amanda is one of those people. Her passion shines through in her artwork. She really takes the time to ensure the client walks away with a lasting memory.
Every time I look at the painting of my father in laws boat, I am taken back to moments in time that truly just make me smile! Thank you Amanda for sharing your talents with all of us! xo
- Lonna Sullivan
"I had a great experience working with Amanda. We moved to CT from South Orange and I wanted a painting of the pond as a memory for our new house. I commissioned Amanda to do this based on the recommendation of other local families. She was so easy to work with!
Amanda kept in touch with me during the whole process to make sure the painting was exactly what I wanted. It couldn't be more beautiful and our whole family smiles when we look at it. I highly recommend Amanda for anyone looking to commission a painting."
-Melissa Zeman Wachsman
GALLERY
 Naoual On TopMixed media (inked pencil, watercolor, watercolor pencil, gel pen) on paper, 10"x10" |  Naoual and the SeaMixed media (inked pencil drawing, watercolor, watercolor pencil, gel pen) on paper, 14"x11" |  Commissioned Portrait Painting30"x40" open acrylic painting on canvas. |
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 Commissioned House Portrait8"x10" inked drawing with watercolor & mixed media on 11"x14" Fabriano hot press paper, 2021 |  Memorial Park Duck Pond11"x14" En Plain Air acrylic painting, sold |  Commissioned House Portrait24"x18" mixed media, inked drawing with watercolor & watercolor pencil |
 Commissioned House Portrait8"x10" Drawing on 11"x14" Fabriano hot press paper, 2021 |  Commissioned House Portrait8"x10" Drawing on 11"x14" Fabriano hot press paper, 2021 |  Commissioned Family PortraitMixed Media, inked drawing with watercolor/gouache and gelly pen, 10"x8" on 14"x11" watercolor paper, 2021 |
 Commissioned House Portrait10"x8" Mixed Media, inked drawing with watercolor/gouache on 14"x11" watercolor paper |  Commissioned House Portrait10"x 8" mixed media, inked drawing and gouache on 14"x 11" Fabriano watercolor paper, 2021 |  Commissioned house portrait8"x10" Drawing on 11"x14" Fabriano hot press paper, 2020 |
 Commissioned house portrait8"x10" Drawing on 11"x14" Fabriano hot press paper, 2020 |  Commissioned house portrait8"x10" Drawing on 11"x14" Fabriano hot press paper, 2021 |  Commissioned portrait ornamentspainting on 4" elliptical acrylic ornament, 2021 |
 Commissioned portrait ornamentPainting on 4" elliptical acrylic ornament, 2020 |  House portrait ornamentpainting on 4" elliptical acrylic ornament, 2020 |  Commissioned Portrait20"x16" acrylic on canvas, taken from clients memory of his first date with his wife. Congured from his description, use of reference photos and artistic license! A more stylized portrait, with warmth, enlightened rich color to make it pop. 2020 |
 South Orange Fire HouseAcrylic painting on 12"x12" canvas, created for MapSO Holiday Collection 2020 ornaments, original $250 |  Maplewood Fire HouseAcrylic painting on 12"x12" canvas created for MapSO Holiday Collection 2020 ornaments, original $250 |  MapSO Holiday Collection 2020 |
 Commissioned portraitOil on canvas, 15"x 30" |  Jacob and Moxie Commissioned portrait11"x14" mixed media on paper. inked drawing and gouache. |  Commissioned House Portrait14"x11", mixed media on paper, inked drawing with watercolor pencil. |
 Commissioned portraitAcrylic on canvas, 20"x 24" |  Commissioned PortraitOil on canvas, 12" x 16" April 2020 |  This is ThirteenFramed acrylic painting, 12"x12", 'This is Thirteen' private collection |
 Commissioned portrait ornamentpainting on 4" elliptical acrylic ornaments |  Commissioned Portrait ornamentpainting on 4" elliptical acrylic ornament |  Moroccan Pottery - SafiSOLD-On a journey with family in Morocco, happened upon the town, Safi (Asfi), where beautiful pottery is made traditionally by artisans. Its colors and patterns and textures were abundant and gave me inspiration for a new series of work. This is the first in the series. 12"x9" acrylic painting on canvas. |
 MapSO Holiday Collection 2019, CHS3" Ceramic ornament, printed on both sides with backside a ghost image of the painting and text 'MapSO Holiday Collection 2019. For sale for $20 at local South Orange shops, Sadie's and Kitchen a la Mode as well as in Maplewood at No. 165. You can purchase from artist directly, as well at bottom of website contact artist to express interest in purchasing. |  Columbia High SchoolCreated for MapSO Holiday Collection 2019 ornament. Acrylic painting on canvas, framed12"x12" ($250) Image printed on 3" ceramic ornament. |  50th anniversary portraitMixed Media, collaged paper and lace on 30"x 40" canvas. |
 Commissioned house portraitMixed media on 9"x12" paper. pencil, ink, watercolor pencil, watercolor elements |  Ari and Friends commissioned portraitMixed media on paper, 9"x12" |  Commissioned Family Portrait12"x9", pencil drawing on paper. 2019 |
 Jamie on the beachcommissioned portrait painting in acrylic, 24"x 30" |  In memory of Jimcommissioned portrait painting on canvas in acrylic, 9"x 12" |  Maplewood Train Station BridgeSold- 12"x12" acrylic painting. MapSO Holiday Collection 2018, for ornament series |
 South Orange Train StationSold- 12"x12" acrylic painting from the Mapso Holiday Collection 2018, first in an ornament series. |  MapSO Holiday Collection 2018Ceramic ornaments of South Orange Train Station and Maplewood Train Bridge for MapSO Holiday Collection 2018, printed on back side. |  Commissioned portrait ornamentspainting on 4" elliptical acrylic ornaments |
 Commissioned portrait ornamentspainting on 4" elliptical acrylic ornaments |  Cats on David Beach, MoroccoAuction Gift for Seth Boyden Elementary School, acrylic painting on canvas, 11"x14" January 2019 |  Urban Farm II - MoroccoAcrylic painting on canvas, 16"x 20". A father and daughter look on in a quiet moment encapsulating their time on the farm. It was a dichotomy of nature and city coexisting, with old shacks keeping the sheep for the Muslim holiday Eid Al-Adha. |
 Urban Farm I - MoroccoAcrylic painting on canvas, 20" x 16". A boy on an urban farm on the fringes of Casablanca, two worlds in one. The harsh environment of well traveled streets just outside and sheep, chickens, cats, garbage, hay, dirt, precarious shelter, children playing and a stretch of flowered shrubbery lining the land for the soon to be slaughtered lamb for the Muslim holiday, Eid Al-Adha. |  Sprinkler PlayCommission, acrylic painting on canvas,16x20 |  Water Play 30"x 24" acrylic paintingMy husband captured this moment in a photograph of my son playing in water while on vacation in Florida. It is both calming and precious to me that I felt compelled to paint this moment of quiet reflection. My son rarely stops moving, but in this painting he is serene and taken by the feel of the sand at the bottom of the reflective water. It’s colors and light give an abundant amount of dreamy soothing contemplation for him and those whose eyes play on the water with him. |
 Beach Boys SeriesAcrylic painting 36"x 24" tryptic on 3 canvases (each 12" x 24") sold. This series is from captured moments of my husband and son playing on Treasure Island beach in Florida. The water was like diamonds glistening in the sun and the sky was clear and endless. The beach gave a beautiful salmon colored ground that completed this lovely graphic of a father and son sharing a special moment. |  Shadow PlayAuction Item for Seth Boyden Elementary School, mixed media painting 16" x 20" on canvas sold. Taken from a photograph of my son and friends playing on a handball court in Astoria, New York. I am attracked to the shadow and light against such a barren, stark background and the juxtaposition of children playing with toy trains in this environment...City kids. |  Unconditional LoveOriginal acrylic painting 10" x 8" on gessoed board sold. Inspired by my little muse, my son, I thought about the messages from heart candies during valentines day. Love for your children is unconditional..and caries profound life changes when you are responsible for their care, love and well being. It is an unconditional and transforming love that runs deep and never leaves. |
 Sidi Bouzid HibiscusSold - 14"x 11" mixed media on canvas sold. Taken from my photographs from traveling in Morocco. This was a close up of the hibiscus flowered bush and tiled floor that made up our villa's exterior. I loved the composition of the flower and leaves with patterned tiles. It is mixed media on canvas. |  MeshaAuction item for Seth Boyden Elementary School. Mesha, 16" x 20" painting sold. Taken from the artists photographs of travels in Morocco. This battle scarred dominant male cat ruled the villa where he lived in El Jadida, Morocco. We were guests in his home. |  What RemainsSold - 16" x 20" acrylic painting. Taken from the artists photographs of travels in Morocco. In the back courtyard of the villa where we stayed in El Jadida a spindly tree with its spare branches up against this deteriorated wall captured my love of line, texture, light and shadow. I was intrigued by the simplicity of the image, but the complexity of the surface. |
 Nowhere AnywhereMy sense of place is synonymous with a tile floor. You know you've been there, but you're not sure where this place is. I can't say where I know myself best because it is ever changing, depending on my life circumstances at that time. I've always regarded myself as a chameleon, someone who knows how to adapt and live anywhere. I haven't lived everywhere, so maybe this is an overstatement, but I can make a sense of place wherever I have lived and therefore..anywhere and nowhere is my truth. |  Ybor City AltarAuction item Acrylic painting, 16x20 A pile of building refuse or a transformational shrine, you decide. I found this stack of plywood and scrap materials behind a restaurant in Ybor City, a historic part of Tampa Florida. I thought it had appealing contradictions in its overall form, both disorderly and structured with the central brick formation creating an altar like framework to this sporadic arrangement. The light emanating from this brick configuration gives it an otherworldly effect. |  I ForgotSold - acrylic painting 10" x 10" on gessoed board. A self portrait about the feeling of being a creative person and not knowing my voice anymore, hence "I forgot what I had to say." This piece was done in association with an exhibition show entitled The Soul of SOMa to create a 10" x 10" piece about ourself, our work in relation to the 10th anniversary open studio for the South Orange Maplewood community of artists. |
 Commissioned portraitacrylic painting on canvas, 24"x 18" |  Commissioned Portraitacrylic painting on canvas, 20"x30" |  Commissioned portraitmixed media on paper, 9"x12" commissioned portrait |
 Tammy Portraitmixed media on paper, 10"x 8", in loving memory of my dear cousin Tammy. |
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Art Lessons
by Ms. Amanda
Fall Session 2021: New Class Offering!!
Drawing from Photo Reference
8 Weeks: 4:00 - 5:15
4th - 5th graders, Tuesdays: Sept. 21- Nov. 16th, (no class Nov. 2nd)
6th - 9th graders, Wednesdays: Sept. 22- Nov. 17th, (no class Nov. 3rd)
$225
Max 4 students per class are held in my home in South Orange, NJ
Full payment is due upon signup. Please fill out the registration form (one for each child if you are signing up more than one - indicating second sibling in notes to me) and I will email an invoice for payment online, Venmo is available @Amanda-Burns-Elhassouni. Thank you!
*10% discount on the second sibling sign up for class.
** In case of allergies, I have 2 (gentle) cats in the house!
*** COVID19 protocols will be taken, temperature check before class, hand washing/germ gel before and after session, mandatory mask-wearing, even if vaccinated, disinfection of surfaces and supplies before and after class. Please have your child stay home if they are not well. No refunds for missed classes, but I would provide a credit for future classes with me, in the event of a missed class.
****My Family is fully vaccinated.
Class Description:
Using photo reference that I chose for this class, and starting with some simple griding of the photo, we will learn how to train our eye to see angles, shapes, and proportions. Working on toned paper, we will sketch what we see and we will move to adding color with colored pencils. we will take our time, building rich layers and creating different textures using a variety of techniques. Students will be given group direction as I work along with them on the project to demonstrate the step by step process and different techniques they can apply. Due to a very small class size, individual attention will be given to each student's unique styles and challenges. I am not looking for cookie cuter artwork, but a base to start with and for each student to bring some of their own expression into the work by way of color, line and technique that is individual with each artist's eye.
With an 8 week session, we will likely have time to work from 2 different photographs. The second photo will be a selection from the students themselves to work on their own using a similar technique as the first one. This will give them a chance to use what they have learned to draw something they love. I will work more individually with each student on the second drawing to give them direction and feedback they need.
Drawing from photo reference, 7th grade
Drawing from photo reference, rising 9th grader
Drawing from photo reference, 8th grader
Previous Class Offerings...
Figure Drawing for Middle Graders
Around the age of Middle school, I remember wanting to draw things more realistically, especially the human figure. I didn't have access to classes at that time, but did my best, drawing from photo reference in magazines or my own photos..but it took a while to see progress. I think it would have been helpful if someone demystified the human form for me, hence, my idea to start offering this class to middle-grade students!
So, if you have been struggling with or wanting to learn how to draw people, not just the face but the whole body, this class is for you! We will break down the form into parts learning to draw the head, hands, feet, and then the whole body using photo reference materials that will be provided. During these sessions, you will learn how to use proportion, shapes, perspective, and line to understand how to begin constructing a figure. By the end of the session, you will be on your way to understanding how to draw the human form.
I have taught this class to middle graders before in my home, but due to Covid19, we will remain virtual. But, no worries, because a lot of reference material will be provided and possibly some demo videos as well, to help you along. Upon registration, you will be sent a zoom link and any supplies I would suggest using. Really it's as simple as a pencil and paper for this class and a desire to learn to draw the figure!
Experience and Teaching Style
I am a contemporary realist painter, portrait artist, and Illustration explorer for over 20 years with an MFA in Illustration from Academy of Art University in San Francisco and BFA in Fine Art from Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington D.C. As an undergraduate student, I taught art to kids ages 5-18 through various outreach programs within D.C. and at Corcoran’s Children’s Workshop summer arts program.
Now, I teach drawing and mixed media techniques to small groups of kids in my home in South Orange, NJ to give a more personalized experience and a better one on one interaction with my students. I also teach private lessons through Renaissance Art Studio in Millburn, NJ and Intro to Graphic Novel with the SOM Adult School Children's Summer Program. Since I love drawing and intrigued by pattern, color, shapes, and design, I like to combine these things in my projects and give examples of artists work that has inspired the lessons I teach.
I think art should be fun while learning about materials, techniques and the students own personal gifts in art making. We all have our own unique view of the world and I like to make sure each student can express themselves freely while also learning fundamental elements of drawing that can expand their unique vision.
Two Page graphic novel story, 3-5th grade
Two page graphic novel story, double page spread and character turn-around, 3-5th grade
