About
Slow down……. sit, listen, observe.
Daydreamer, observer and procrastinator on life and the environment.
In our fast-paced world, I believe we need to carve out moments to pause and truly see. Through my artwork I hope to gently remind you to pause, breathe, and savour the wonders of the extraordinary time we live in.
Guided by the philosophy of meliorism—the belief that small creative acts can make the world better—my work sets out to document and celebrate the small acts of kindness, to the self enriching cultural activities that make our lives fulfilling.
Initially trained as a printmaker, my artistic journey took a turn after meeting a painter, which led me to embrace a studio-based practice in oils. For 30 years, I explored the realms of still-life and landscape painting, while also dedicating time to sketching people and life drawing. My art is deeply rooted in observing and recording my surroundings, driven by a curiosity to understand more about the world around me.
In 2019, I returned to academia to pursue a Master’s degree at the School of Art, Aberystwyth University, which led me to experiment with acrylics—a medium I once found too harsh in colour but have since embraced for its practicality when painting outdoors. Inspiration often came from nature writers and walkers, who articulate a love for the natural world that resonates with me. However, it is through my painting that I choose to express this connection. Weather and light play pivotal roles in shaping the mood and emotion of a scene, whether dramatic, uplifting, calming, or reflective.
More recently, my sketching has taken priority and moved from the activities of the local rangers and countryside teams to those using the landscape as a venue, tutors and volunteers foraging, wellness sessions and onto cultural events, live dance, theatre and music meetings and events. The venues and subjects present themselves as my journey unfolds, every turn a delight and something new to explore. My medium has also shifted from painting to drawing. Keeping things simple enables me to get out and experience more.
It’s a wonderful, colourful world, and I hope my work inspires others to appreciate, protect, and cherish it as much as I do.
— Emma-Jayne Holmes
Thanks to Chris Harvey for the wonderful photos of me in my studio. He made the whole process very comfortable and I am thrilled with the results. Do take a look at his work.
Instagram @chrisharveyphotography
