Born in Germany, Elsa came to the USA at the age of thirteen. Her art career began while attending high school in  Cleveland Ohio.  She did a watercolor that was hung in the principal's office, of which some 40 years later it still hangs. 

During her formative years she studied drawing and watercolor and later attended Pasadena City College, Northridge University and the Art Institute of San Miguel de Allende in Mexico.  Additionally, she attended numerous workshops in Puerto Vallarta, Carmel and Los Angeles.  Elsa studied with Joyce Pike (Still Life), Sergio Bongart (Russian Impressionist), Frank Touriallio (Portrait) and Ralph Hassenbein (Impressionist).  She has also taken workshops from the well-known master artist, David Leffel and continues to expand on her knowledge by taking other workshops available.

Elsa married William Modica and together they raised a son and daughter.  Elsa and her husband traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, Mexico, Canada, and the United States.  They enjoyed the countryside and  the picturesque landscapes through photography.  It is from these photographs Elsa has captured natures beauty for many of her unique and lovely paintings.  

Numerous awards and approximately 62 ribbons are to Elsa’s credit.  One of her prized awards won an “Emmy” from the city of Glendale, CA.  Her paintings have been sold to individuals, through many galleries such as White Art Gallery and Bradbury Gallery, in Montrose, California, and Longpree Galleria in Laconăda, California and throughout the USA, Canada, and Europe.  Also included in many of Elsa’s gallery showings, was the opening of the Guild Art Gallery at Descanso Gardens, in the late 1980s.  Elsa also earned the Best of Show for her Floral and several other awards for her Seascape and Landscape at the Wasco Festival of Roses Art Show, which affords the art lover an opportunity to see some of the major works of nationally known artists. She also served as chairperson on various California art guilds and she has judged high school students and artistic projects for scholarships.  Elsa has illustrated a book of poems named When the Wind Stops by Laura Sargent.  In addition, She has given many demonstrations for art guilds, as well as, a demonstration for Northwest Art League that is still in use today. 

Elsa taught oil painting in California for 13 years and since relocating to Houston, Texas in 1989, she has begun painting once again.  Since 1995 she has been offering both private and group lessons.  While her students paint, they listen to opera and classical music.  Her well-poised character and cool judgment comes into play as she teaches.  Her teaching style is one of helping her students by “showing them how” through demonstrating painting techniques.  She provides classroom set-ups and insists that her students begin with still life as the basis for oil painting.  Because of the Houston  weather, she also allows her students to paint from photos rather than outdoors.  Her students have won numerous awards and Best of Shows in various art guilds in Houston, Texas.  In fact, one of her students recently won the Lone Star Award.  

Elsa's oil paintings are a reflection of the worldly beauty that surrounds her everyday.  Her ability to capture the colors and interpret her vision in her individual style resonates on canvas.  This happens because of her intense passion for her work. She is a unique individual.  She is intuitive, imaginative and she teaches her students with humor and skill.  Her strong character is an asset to her art.  Limitless patience and skill enhance her qualities as a wonderful teacher.    

Elsa’s comments are most impressive, “It is sad when a person cannot see—for in every corner of the world there is something of beauty to capture on canvas.”