Elizabeth’s interest in art began at a young age while living in San Antonio, Texas. Her first painting instructor was Jose Vivas Atsara with whom she studied painting with a palette knife. In 1966, Elizabeth moved on to study at San Antonio Art Institute under the instruction of Carl Embry, who had just completed a major painting exhibit at the McNay Art Museum. From 1967 to 1968, she continued her art education at Trinity University while studying art and art history.
In 1969 Elizabeth turned her attention toward ceramics under the instruction of Ismael Soto at San Antonio Art Institute. From then, she continued her ceramic studies with Louis Turner through 1985 where she participated in several juried shows. Over the years, her work evolved from raku firings and ceramic art forms into functional pottery using bright colors and abstract designs with low fire glazes. Her work was carried by Hanley-Wood and Apropos in San Antonio, Antiquities in Comfort, and has been shown and sold in Wichita Falls and Salado, Texas. Elizabeth retired her business, Elizabeth McCown Pottery, in 2012.
From 2008 to 2010, under the instruction of Paul Friske, Elizabeth started painting using mixed media and acrylics. Her work has been shown in Abilene Frame and Art and hangs in the homes of many art enthusiasts. Currently, Elizabeth studies Intensified Abstraction at the Southwest School of Art in San Antonio and continues to create amazing, one of a kind art pieces.
