Early works by Ellen Lustig display the evolution of aesthetics that led to Pop Surrealism paintings. From a creative standpoint, her earlier work was frequently energizing, risk-taking, impassioned, and experimental. She didn't know where she was headed, where she’d wind up, what the future held, or how her art would ultimately be regarded. Because Ellen was younger and less experienced, it was easy to experiment in various styles as well as different genres.  

In her quest to discover what her genuine expression was, Ellen took numerous risks. She found that coming up with, making, and producing fresh, new work has been an authentic journey and has advanced her artistic development. Artists all too often become stuck in a particular style that they cannot escape. The creative process may be seriously hampered by this. Ellen always enjoyed creating art by experimenting with numerous genres and subjects.

Surrealism is consistently used throughout Lustig's early works as part of her imagery. In early works by Ellen Lustig, she paints fantastical dreamy landscapes and grotesque portraits, drawing inspiration from Surrealists like Rene Magritte, Salvador Dali, and others. When he was 16 years old, Lustig painted an impromptu surreal scene with a scary doll's head sticking out of a platform. Salvador Dali's aesthetic was also referenced in the way she used light and shadow. The color scheme of the painting titled "Surreal" is evocative of the "Pop Surrealism" movement.

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