Based in the coastal community of Manteo, North Carolina, Mary Ellen Lee creates textured, dynamic paintings that celebrate wildlife and the natural world. Working primarily with acrylic paint mixed with molding paste, she uses palette knives and brushes to build sculptural, tactile layers directly onto the surface. This light impasto technique brings her animal subjects to life, mirroring the raw, organic textures found in nature. Lee’s connection to animal life earned her the prestigious People’s Choice Award at the 2026 Frank Stick Memorial Art Show at Dare Arts for her striking piece, "The King". Her work explores the unique spirit and presence of nature's creatures, inviting viewers to experience wildlife not just visually, but structurally.