Art, Color & Self-Expression as Wellness: A Meaningful Interview with Boom Ambassador, Ellen

February arrives quietly. After the energy of the holidays and the resolve of January, winter settles in. The days feel slower. The light softens. Many women find themselves turning inward—sometimes feeling tender, sometimes unseen.

At BOOM, we see February not as a time to fix or improve, but as a season to return. Return to yourself. Return to what feels good. Return to rituals that offer warmth, comfort, and expression. This month, self-love isn’t performative. It’s lived.

That’s why we wanted to share this conversation with Boom Ambassador Ellen Schultz. At 77, Ellen is an artist, a lifelong observer, and a woman who embodies pro-age self-expression. Through painting, color, fashion, and personal ritual, she continues to express herself boldly, joyfully, and authentically—without rules and without apology.

Her story reflects so much of what we believe at BOOM: that creativity is wellness, that color is emotional nourishment, and that self-expression is not something we grow out of—it’s something we grow into.

Creativity Begins Somewhere

BOOM: You’ve spent years working with beauty and self-expression, and later discovered painting as a creative outlet. Can you share how and when art entered your life — and what inspired you to pick up a brush?

ELLEN: Canvas painting entered my life about 2008. I’d been good at personal fashion and decorating all my life, as well as frequent art museum and art gallery visiting. So, this “hobby” felt like a possible expansion.

I always liked the artwork of one nationally-known artist. She was offering a local weekly 2.5-hour workshop in her home so I started attending. Two of her prints were already in my possession. Her class consisted of 6–8 attendees with simple drawing exercises to begin then dove into brushes, paint, and applying to canvas. The only rules: No criticism of your own work nor the work of others.

Brush to canvas began with nothing pre-sketched. Each of us chose different pieces to paint using a variety of postcards or photos available. I was unsure how to start but the generous artist/instructor made suggestions. I still have that first unfinished 8x10 canvas board, which I don’t intend to finish. It serves to show how far my work has progressed. I was hooked after the second class taking many more classes in months following. My confidence was boosted by other students along with tips and tricks plus encouragement of the generous instructor. Being flexible to shift the outcome and expand translated to nurturing my inner-child joy.

From Face to Canvas

BOOM: You once mentioned that painting a canvas is very different from painting the face. What surprised you most about that transition, and what has painting taught you about yourself?

ELLEN:

Since I wore make-up all my life, I thought, “how different could it be to put paint on canvas versus paint on my face?” – HUGE!! Painting with brushes tends to increase color intensity as does the amount of paint applied.

When applying makeup, one follows the contours to highlight or diminish features. One’s face is right there! Variations in color usage are a bit limited. (I’m not ready to paint green cheeks.) Canvas painting allows me to create contours, depth, and shadows. Perspectives are important depending on subject matter, e.g., near, distant or mid-range.

My art ranges from landscapes, and sun or water views to still life. Personally, painting showed me the fun of color mixing as experiment or play. Color blending is paramount for me and not just squeezing paint from a tube.

Creativity as Winter Self-Care

BOOM: February can be a quiet, introspective time — especially in winter. How does creating art support your emotional well-being, especially during slower or colder seasons?

ELLEN: I’ve always believed February’s valentine holiday was intended for celebrating love and warmth. Since my mother suspended red hearts on ribbons from our dining room chandelier and propped up cards on tables around our home, I saw it as a time to be cozy and warm.

Then there was the exchange of small cards with schoolmates, plus the heart-shaped candies with a simple imprinted word. Maybe those were the promises of things

to come?? I daydreamed that was the intent. Now, I carry forward red décor and hearts (including pink ones) to brighten up my living space now too.

I like to emotionally lift the quiet, mid-winter time by painting a whimsical romantic theme, wearing a heart pin or a red scarf, plus using a bright lipstick to bring out my playful side. It reminds me to love myself and be ready to share the expression of warmth and love with friends and family.

Art, Aging & Self-Expression

BOOM: Many women feel pressure to become smaller or quieter with age. How has creativity helped you continue expressing yourself — boldly, joyfully, or authentically — at this stage of life?

ELLEN: Becoming quieter with age may simply happen to many of us as life slows down when out of the workplace or no longer tending to immediate family needs. This “stage of life”, as each stage, I believe, has its own rewards and values. The influence of an emotionally mature woman can be a fun and insightful place to learn. I notice younger people are truly interested in our perspectives and journeys.

By nature, I’m introverted and a keen observer, especially as the oldest child and daughter with active younger siblings.

My career required a calm demeanor, the ability to quickly read the room, and have a one-step ahead insight, which had its own rewards professionally and personally. Certainly, what may or may not need to be said “out loud” now has shown me I most always looked to avert or improve situations. Others can remedy these things; it’s no longer my responsibility; however, I have an opinion—ask me.

My creativity comes out in fashion or decorating my home without another opinion to consider. Most guests to my home comment at the welcoming and warm environment. Nice. Bolder clothing colors, brighter lipsticks, albeit stylish and elegant, are how I also express myself “out loud”. Even my artwork is now on larger canvases than when I started and gives the viewer a better experience and thus me too.

Color as Emotion & Makeup as a Creative Ritual

BOOM: Your paintings are rich with color, light, and reflection. How do you think color influences mood and emotion — both in art and in everyday life?

ELLEN: Light and shadow can set an outlook of glad and inviting or somber and melancholy. Moods and emotions presented with color do influence me. Sunlight lifts my spirits even when it’s a chilly day. Monochromatic works I’ve done, sometimes as a self-challenge, seem to get unexpected responses of appreciation. Men often like the darker and dramatic backgrounds while women lean more toward lighter colors in my artwork. My goal is to pull the viewer into the setting and invite them to explore the scene.

BOOM: At Boom, we believe makeup can be a form of creative self-expression — not correction. Do you see parallels between painting and the way you approach makeup or personal style?

ELLEN: In keeping with BOOM founder’s philosophy of Pro-Age, Cindy Joseph emphasized being creative in applying less make-up and doing more skin care. I agree! Taking the “less is more” approach gives me a simple and easy solution. Make-up foundation, when used, is best with lighter application. Good skin care is the “canvas” and makes me feel seen, not hidden behind a mask. Enhancing eyes, cheeks, and lips lets me highlight my best features and be approachable.

This attitude carries over in my clothing choices and style. Painting can appear simple but rarely is. The more detailed my artwork, the more scrutinizing I do. Often in planning or reworking an art piece, these details are hardly noticed by the viewer. Years ago, I started to photograph my pieces as I concluded my session time. It gives me the opportunity to look where I’ve been or where I wish to go. Then should I wish to reinsert something, it’s there. I’m still learning to make my process less complex.

Winter Rituals That Nourish

BOOM: During winter, many women crave comfort and grounding rituals. Are there any simple creative or self-care rituals you return to that help you feel centered and nourished?

ELLEN: Certain wintertime rituals I’ve adopted are mid-afternoon teatimes and sitting to read, reflect or pray. Then I’m ready to enjoy the upcoming hours. Often, I reward myself with a professional massage. (Besides I cannot apply lotion to my own back!) I find getting a pedicure every 4–5 weeks is THE best. It is the nurture of touch and relaxation that grounds me. These simple things not noticed by anyone else remind me I

can and do nourish myself.

BOOM: What advice would you give to women who feel drawn to creativity — whether painting, makeup, writing, or something else — but worry they’re “not artistic enough”?

ELLEN: Initially, I recommend to women to simply start exploring creativity or revisiting a creative outlet they’ve put on a shelf. To me, being creative means doing what stirs your soul and brings you joy. Perhaps it’s something you’ve never tried or you may not realize you already do, such as needlepoint, crochet, scrapbooking, photography, gardening, cooking, ceramics, jewelry making, calligraphy, painting, playing a musical instrument, writing poetry or memoirs. If you give time to reflect on what you may think could interest you, try it. The process is part of seeking what lifts you and presses you forward.

Stop listening to your inner voice or the silly rules you thought were there. You’re not comparing yourself to another or a former version of you. Be around others who are exploring creative processes and be humble enough to know you don’t know and maintain a teachable spirit. Seekers find teachers and guides.

Art as a Gift

BOOM: You also create cards featuring your artwork. What does it mean to you to share your art in this way — and how does offering creativity to others feel?

ELLEN: At the outset of my artistic journey, I wished to create cards and sell them. I expanded into selling my original artworks, and why not? I find it so special to receive a note or card that was written by the sender: an expressed thought whether simple or long just to me. You know you’ve saved those writings too! I’m forever grateful when a card is purchased; perhaps, it’s being sent on to another or held by the purchaser. Friends and clients tell me they anticipate a card from me on a holiday or special occasion and thus we’re connecting. “When you buy something from an artist, you’re buying more than an object. You’re buying a piece of a heart, soul, even a piece of another’s life.” It’s an honor to give and a blessing to share my art.

BOOM: If you could leave our Boom community with one thought about self-expression, creativity, or self-love — especially in winter — what would you want women to remember?

ELLEN: Never deny your age or God-given talent, it erases your place in history. At 77, I still have much to share, care about, and aspire to for myself.

Closing Reflection

Ellen’s story is a reminder that creativity is not a phase, a trend, or a talent reserved for a few. It’s a way of caring for yourself—emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. In winter, when the world feels quieter, creativity becomes a form of warmth. Color becomes comfort. Expression becomes self-love.

Whether it shows up through painting, writing, decorating your home, or simply blending colors on your cheeks and lips in a way that feels joyful and personal, self-expression is a ritual worth protecting.

This February, we invite you to soften the rules, trust your instincts, and honor the version of yourself that’s still evolving. Creativity isn’t something you outgrow. It’s something you return to. And it’s always waiting for you.