EMILY FOSSUM ART

Professional Portrait Artist

SERVICES

Each portrait I create is made with care and intention, thoughtfully designed to celebrate your family and the moments you cherish most. Using your favorite photos as inspiration, I bring those memories to life in graphite, charcoal, and ink—capturing the expressions and personalities that make your loved ones unique. My goal is to create a one-of-a-kind artwork that feels perfectly at home in your space and will be treasured for years to come.

GRAPHITE PORTRAIT

Graphite portraits are a popular choice for people who want every little detail captured. I take a fully realistic, almost photorealist approach to my graphite portraits.

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CHARCOAL PORTRAIT

Charcoal portraits are wonderful for their high contrast which makes the subject really pop. They can capture a dreamy and soft quality.

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PET PORTRAIT

Pet portraits are my most popular commissioned works. I enjoy making them look furry and soft enough to cuddle. Many of these portraits are done in memory of a beloved pet.

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SONOGRAM PORTRAIT

Exciting news, I don't only draw babies once they are born, but I am happy to capture them before as well! The youngest portrait option available here are these sweet charcoal sonogram portraits. They make great baby shower gifts for expecting parents and grandparents.

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SILHOUETTE PORTRAIT

The newest portrait option available here are these classic silhouettes. These are a great choice to have in time for Christmas for the grandparents, sure to be treasured for years to come! This is the most affordable option available when ordering several portraits.

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ORIGINAL ARTWORK

Discover a world of unique art in my shop, featuring landscapes, florals, still lifes, portraits, and master studies. These one-of-a-kind pieces are a result of my creative exploration, using various art mediums and techniques. They come ready to adorn your home with a burst of vibrant color!

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How to Order

ABOUT

Happy Veterans Day, so thankful for the many families I know serving. 🤍 Take a look back 10 years on some military commissions I’ve done.

#emilyfossumart #drawingcommission #militaryart #happyveteransday

You can’t beat those sounds.

Took a break from commissions to do this fun little sketch. I love it when I have a minute to just get a little creativity out! This moment of creativity happened in the gymnastics parking lot 😆 As a busy mom, you take what you can get!

#emilyfossumart #charcoaldrawing #artistmom #generalpencil #generalcharcoal #charcoalsketch #sketching #drawingasmr #asmrart #asmrartist

Currently working on a curly pup, it’s fun to look back at how I captured other curly girlies and learn from myself!

Captured with my favorite @generalpencil charcoals! And for the people who always ask me what those are - keep an eye out - something special is in the works…

#emilyfossumart #generalpencils #generalcharcoal #charcoalsketch #petportait #petportraitartist

What a great night surrounded by art and friends at the @artsinwayne! Thank you to all the people who voted for Crimson Enchantment in the last show, it was an honor to have won and been able to participate in THIS show! Such fun!

It was made especially great because @leachstudio got into the same show and we just happened to have our pieces hanging next to each other! Truly a special experience!! ❤️💚 Big congrats to the winners! There were so many amazing artists displaying here!

My sister, kids, and friends from base were all at the show which made it all the more special! I feel so thankful to be a part of this community! Thanks for all the support and encouragement!

#emilyfossumart #artshow #artgallery

Oh you pretty things! I definitely miss having this museum so close to me, but love that my phone reminded me this morning that I had a lovely day at the museum on this day four years ago! Surrounding myself with pretty things in my home these days, and that’s quite enough to make me happy! Hooray for a studio day, and more museum days in the future!

#emilyfossumart #museumday #artmuseum #nationalgalleryofart #nationalgalleryofartdc #portraitartist

I can just hear him, can’t you?! Love it when pet owners give me subjects brimming with personality! Do you have an especially expressive fur baby at home?!

#emilyfossumart #gooddog #dogsofinstagram #generalpencil #charcoalportrait #petsofinstagram #petportrait #petportraitartist

He’s got that look… 🤣

This is a special project, can’t wait to let you in on the secret when it’s done!!

#emilyfossumart #charcoaldrawing #artistmom #generalpencil #generalcharcoal #charcoalsketch #sketching #petportrait

Sweet wee babe 🤍

#emilyfossumart #charcoalsketch #charcoaldrawing #generalpencils #generalcharcoals #babyboy

A perfect day at the beach: me with my pastels, London with her shovel and paints, both of us side by side creating. “Crystal Waters” came to life right there on the sand — sky, sea, and soft shore in front of us, captured as the waves rolled in.

It’s more than just a pastel to me; it’s a memory of salty air, sun-warmed skin, and the simple joy of making art together.

#emilyfossumart #pasteldrawing #summerdays #beachday #enpleinair #enpleinairpainting

The Duchess 🤍💛❤️🖤 done in my favorite 4 color technique! It’s a study after Philip de László, an absolute master of portraiture in the early 1900s.

#emilyfossumart #philipdelaszlo #pastelart #fourcolordrawing #charcoalsketch #sketchbook

This is not my typical packaging color scheme… but when it’s headed to a Slytherin, and you just happen to find black and green, you’ve gotta make it happen! I’m so excited for this piece to go to a new home where it will be appreciated!

#emilyfossumart #pasteldrawing #harrypotter #sortinghat #slytherin #harrypotterfan

“Summer Memories” is out stretching her legs and enjoying a spot on my shelf while I work on clearing the studio! I painted her en plein air on the beach- grassy dunes, warm sand, and the sound of waves all around.

I hope she finds a home where she can bring those sun soaked days to life year-round… But if not, she looks pretty happy right here, reminding me of my own summer memories!

#emilyfossumart #pastelsketch #pastellandscape #seascape #studioclearout #gallerywall #eastcoast

Framed and now forever a part of our home! 🖤

I drew this portrait of our dog Oscar, not long after we lost him. At the time, drawing him helped me process the ache. Now, after all this time has passed I’m finally framing the sketch and ready to hang it on our wall! It brings more smiles than tears, happy memories not sad ones!

#emilyfossumart #charcoaldrawing #generalpencil #charcoalsketch #artistmom #furbaby #goldendoodle #goldendoodlesofinstagram❤️🐶🐾 #sweetpup

Putting this little sketch in a frame! I can think of more entertaining reels, but this is what I’m up to today so thought I’d show you!

#emilyfossumart #charcoaldrawing #artistmom #generalpencil #generalcharcoal #charcoalsketch

It might not be a summer full of art, but it’s been full of love. Prepping for school next week and soaking in the last hours of summer! The one thing I’m looking forward to most is getting back in the studio :)

#emilyfossumart #artistmom

Kicked off summer with a little social media break to soak up some extra time with my kids — but I’ve missed this space and all my art friends! 💛

This is “Crimson Enchantment,” a pastel portrait of my daughter that just went up in the Arts Council of Wayne County show — and you can help it win People’s Choice!

If it speaks to you, I’d be so grateful for your vote: https://form.jotform.com/251646644542056 ✨
(You don’t have to be local to vote!)

If you are local, I would love to see you at the opening reception on Friday, July 11! (Message me!)

#emilyfossumart #localartist #artshow #pastelart #crimsonenchantment #artshow #womenwhodraw #momartist

Summer is here, and it’s time for me to slow down, soak up the sunshine, and be fully present with my family. These moments with are fleeting, and I want to cherish them while I can—offline, unplugged, and in real life.

I’ll be stepping away from social media for a bit, but I’ll be back with fresh inspiration and stories to share. In the meantime, thank you for being here and supporting what I do. I hope you’re finding time to rest, connect, and enjoy your own summer rhythms, too.

See you soon ✨

Emily

Two of my favorite techniques for portraiture: the three color and four color portrait! Here are my supplies for each, plus a few bonus tips! (Continued in the comments)

These are techniques that I first began learning about with @kengoshen five years ago and have been playing and experimenting with ever since! If you want to learn more about the technique, I suggest checking out his classes and experimenting with these pencils for yourself! Happy drawing!

Four color portrait:
🖤 @generalpencil hard charcoal for sketching and overall shading, primo HB for darker areas. I find I don’t normally need or want to go darker than what these two pencils can achieve. I prefer a subtle value range rather than punching in the darkest darks.
🤍 @generalpencil white chalk, and primo white for punching in highlights. The white chalk is a great blending agent as well, this helps harmonize your colors without smudging or smearing so you can keep some lovely pencil strokes in your drawing.
❤️ @fabercastellglobal PITT pastel 191, this can be substituted for a more saturated red, or a warmer/cooler red based on your reference photo. Sometimes a red like 118 is what I use for my self portraits because my hair is very bright orange compared to what I can get with 191. A red that leans blue can get you some nice purpley skin tonnes when mixed with the black and white. Feel it out and experiment!
💛 @fabercastellglobal PITT pastel #182. I’ve found that this lovely yellow ochre color works well with most skin tones!
🩶 @strathmore toned grey paper. This smooth surface works well with these particular pencils and provides a nice neutral gray to work on top of.

A day well spent at @brookesfreshcutflowerfarm!

I had the absolute joy of exploring this breathtaking flower farm—soaking in the vibrant colors, sweet scents, and peaceful beauty all around me. From rows of blooming fields to greenhouses brimming with delicate stems, every corner felt like a painter’s dream.

These stunning blooms are grown for wedding bouquets and monthly deliveries—can you imagine a bundle of these showing up on your doorstep? Instant happiness. 💐✨

For me, they became the perfect muse. I brought my oil paints along (only the few times I’ve taken them out plein air!) and set up in the middle of an open field, surrounded by swaying stems and pops of color. I only had about 45 minutes after the grand tour, but I loved capturing the dreamy purples and lush greens in that short burst of painting.

I’m hoping to take this scene to a larger canvas soon—and I can’t wait to return for more inspiration!

Thank you so much @brookesfreshcutflowerfarm for sharing your space and your blooms!!!

#emilyfossumart #freshflowerbouquet #freshflower #floralpainting #pleinairsketch #pleinairpainting

One of my favorite things about the Portrait Society Conference is the spontaneous drawing sessions that just happen. One night, a bunch of us decided to take turns modeling—and we kicked things off with the lovely Tina!

I started this sketch from life using my trusty General Pencil charcoals, capturing her during our impromptu session. I ended up finishing it later during church—somehow, sketching helps me focus on the sermon.

I love keeping these sketches in my travel journal—it’s like a visual diary of good friends and creative moments on the road.

#emilyfossumart #generalpencil #generalcharcoal #sketching #sketchbook #charcoalsketch

Fianait in four colors 🤍🖤❤️💛

#emilyfossumart #oilpainting #zornpalette

I was feeling stuck in my head, afraid to make a mark on a fresh canvas because I was afraid of “failure”. My idea today was to create something with the intention of wiping it off. What a weight that took off my shoulders just to get the paintbrush out, make some marks and not feel the pressure! Sometimes I think we need a little reset after a long time away, and this worked today!

So what are your best painting practices?

ps- when I say “failure” I know the only true failure would be not to try at all! It’s what I tell my kids, my students, and I have to on occasion remind myself!

Part 3, the last day of the conference and a fab museum trip!

1- With my friend @jacksonwrede, an amazing artist, who also happened to be volunteering in the best room in conference- the finalists room!
2- Thank you @oliversin for the gift! I bought Oliver’s first book at my first PSoA conference, and I’m so excited to go through the sequel now!
3- Portrait museum in DC with the three musketeers!
4- Loved this painting by Bessie Potter Vonnoh
5- Chatting about what makes Thayers roses so special
6- Gorgeous 🤍
7- Discussing Sargent’s hands 😘
8- She’s my fav, by Albert Herter
9- Women with Red hair 🧡
10- Admiring Idle Hours by H. Siddons Mowbray
11- It’s so small and still says so much
12- Fun to find someone who loves Dewing as much as I do- if not more! I had a lovely time walking around with you @tcgoggans
13- Dewing
14- Moment caught by a friend, genuinely just sitting here so happy. Also we are a hair dye ad. 🤎🧡💛
15- Bonding over a love of art, beauty, and creating!
16- Last night in town having a wonderful evening eating Thai food by this peaceful fountain!

#emilyfossumart #portraitsociety #portraitsocietyofamerica #portraitgallery

Our fancy evening! 🖤 (Part 2)

Every year there is a wonderful gala night where we us artists get fancy and the Draper prize is announced! The finalists and certificate of excellence artists this year had some stunning artworks, it was a treat to see them and celebrate their achievements! Here are a few friends and highlights from the evening! So thankful for this group!

#emilyfossumart #portraitsociety #portraitsocietyofamerica

Highlights from this past week at the @the_portrait_society convention!! (Part 1)

1- Started the adventure with a trip to the National Gallery of Art with new and old friends! Such fun to introduce everyone to some of my favorites! @ruthfittonportraits @leachstudio @fianaitdoramaye
2- New favorite painting by Jules Breton
3- We both fell in love with it!
4- Painting by Elizabeth Okie Paxton
5- Enjoying Sargent 🤍
6- Bas Relief Sculpture Workshop with @alicianponzio, loved learning about the planes of the face and how they translate in less than a quarter inch surface!
7- New friend @debwilliams2, bonding over sculpting!
8- Face off evening! A particularly exciting group watching these powerhouses create magic with paint! @ruthfittonportraits @rosefrantzen
9- Face off with @oliversin and @louise.s.weir_artworks
10- Face off with @jeffreytlarson painting @eveeerb, @marioarobinson, Aly Cavanaugh and @paulnewtonartist
11- @emmaersart doing her thing for the next generation! She was so engaging and totally rocked it!
12- @elizabeth_ralphsmith_art painting this gorgeous portrait! Takes a lot to paint in front of people, take questions, and capture a likeness and she did all three!
13- @dunawayfineart talking about beauty in art was so inspiring!
14- Listening to @danthompsonart hand lecture was phenomenal with my classmates @carmendrakefineart and @alisonlandryart
15-Impromptu sketching with @tinafigartist, @ruthfittonportraits, @leachstudio, @miriambaranov and @millyguthriefineart. Here is my sketch of Miriam’s sister 😉😆
16- Ruth’s lovely sketch from my turn modeling
17- Fantastic breakout session on composition with Jeffrey Larson, Kevin McPherson and Ruth Fitton
18- Had to stop by @generalpencil for more pencils and to say hello to my buddies! Thanks for loading me up Kathy!
19- 10 min sketch of @eliot_m_art while @adriennestein and @reesfineart painted him! Eliot is such a hard working and talented 12 year old, I have no doubt someday he’ll be the one demoing for us all!
20- Roomies!! What a trio, so thankful for Hannah and Fianait putting up with me all weekend!

More to come…

#emilyfossumart #portraitsocietyofamerica

Stretching myself beyond charcoal this year and finally diving into oil painting- something I’ve dreamed about for ages! With a little (okay, a lot) of encouragement from friends, mentors, and my amazing husband, I dove in!

Has it been easy? Absolutely not. Making time to learn a whole new medium while solo parenting for a bit? Whew. 😅 But I’m so grateful my mom is in town helping with the kids so I can sneak away for some exciting art adventures! Coming up: a workshop with @ruthfittonportraits and the @the_portrait_society conference—always a favorite.

Feeling stretched, inspired, and slightly paint-covered.

#emilyfossumart #artistmom #artstudent #artistjourney #oilpaintingadventure #learningnewthings #milspouseartist #creativegrowth

Snuck in a little Sargent study while the kids take a hike with Grammy! I’m hoping to see the original inspiration for this painting in just a couple weeks at the National Portrait Gallery- countdowning down the days until the @the_portrait_society conference in DC!!

I have to admit, learning to paint is seriously kicking my butt! When I feel overwhelmed- by oils, by technique, by all the decisions- it helps to take a step back and study the masters. Copying their work has been one of the best way to learn!

As a mum who only gets about one solid painting day a week, progress can feel slow. But I’m learning to be patient with the process and give myself some grace. 🤍

This is what I asked for for my birthday a few years ago! My hubby took over school pick ups and carpools for the day and I spent the ENTIRE day enjoying art! I started at the National Gallery and thought I would do several drawings throughout the day, but I was quickly captured by the sweet face of Elizabeth Throckmorton by Nicholas de Largillierre. I’ve been drawn to her before, but this time she wouldn’t let me go!

I spent a little over an hour just studying her face- the proportions and shapes- and captured what I could in willow charcoal on my toned grey @strathmoreart travel sketchpad. Then I refined the shapes with a hard @generalpencil charcoal pencil. After I was happy there, I added white charcoal, then red and yellow pastels. Then it became a dance between the colors. Layering and layering, with me getting closer and closer to the painting. I was drooling over the subtle shifts in chroma, the way parts of the face were flush, and others quite pale. I relished the challenge of making her eyes appear a stormy blue, while not using a blue pencil at all. Ah, I love color theory!

While I was drawing I met and talked to several sweet people, a few fellow artists, some kids who were aspiring artists themselves, and naturally I made friends with the museum guards too! When the museum was closing I packed up and walked to the portrait gallery! Thankfully they stay open later so the art enjoyment continued! What a day!

If you could do anything with your “day off” what would it be?!
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#emilyfossumart #nationalgallery #nationalgalleryofart #ngadc #nationalportraitgallery #artistmom

Happy to see a little master study made it to a new home! She looks like she belongs there! :)

#emilyfossumart #oilpainting #masterstudy #zorn #zornpalette

A few years ago, during this worship song and a sermon about Jesus being the Light, I felt this overwhelming pull to create. I had this specific image in my mind—Jesus in the morning light, risen. So I grabbed my charcoals and started drawing during the sermon (perk of being home sick that day).

As artists, we get these moments where we just have to create—like our heart, hands, and God are all working together. I’m so thankful for that.

Happy Easter, friends. The Light of the world is alive!

Scroll through to see more of the story, and the connecting piece I made last year! 🤍

Supplies used: Charcoal on @strathmore toned gray paper with @generalpencil supplies

It’s been quiet on here, but I promise I haven’t abandoned ship—just deep in the learning curve of oil painting. Turns out trying to master a whole new medium doesn’t leave a ton of brain space for filming reels or finishing polished pieces. But here’s a little peek at the mess and learning happening behind the scenes. Still in the studio. Still making. Still figuring it out (slowly). Thanks for sticking around!

#emilyfossumart #paintingstudent #learningtopaint #oilpainting #newskill #iforgottoinstagram

Happy National Pet Day! Honoring the love our pets give us every day. @EmilyFossumArt created this charcoal drawing of the beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog - see her art on the # 20 kit available at GeneralPencil.com or your local art and craft stores.

#NationalPetDay #DogDrawing #BerneseMountainDog #GeneralPencil #CharcoalDrawing #PetPortrait #emilyfossumart

Which little sketch do you like better? 1 or 2?

1-🤍🖤❤️💛 on 🩶

2-🤍🖤❤️ on 💛

#emilyfossumart #3color #4color #zornpalette #generalpencil #charcoalpencile #pastels #fabercastel

How I adapted the “Zorn Palatte” for this study:

Black charcoal
White charcoal
Red pastel
Yellow pastel

@kengoshen was doing a study of this painting using oil paints, but being me l decided to do the same just in dry media! This allowed me to work on the project during the small chunks of time during the day that I have while still running around with the kids. I’m so happy with the results that I can achieve using dry media!

Now that I’ve begun working in oil paints, I’m wondering if the time has come to try this master study again, in the Zorn palette, with oils! Thankful for @kengoshen‘s patreon where I can go back and rewatch lessons, such a great resource! @goshenartacademy

#emilyfossumart #drymedia #charcoals #zorn #zornpalette #anderszorn #pastels #pastelportrait #mastercopy #masterstudy

Painted from life, this piece is about the magical moment when I couldn’t resist coming back to a wisteria-covered tree after driving by. The entire tree was draped in cascading, purple blooms, created by a stunning, fragrant canopy, painting the scene felt like stepping into a dream with the warm sun on my skin in the air full of the sweet scent of flowers.

Can you smell them?! 😍💜

#emilyfossumart #artistmom #oilpainting #pleinairpainting #pleinairsketch #oilstudy

Just a few strokes in and I’m looking forward to the rest of this one!

#emilyfossumart #artistmom #sketching #oilpainting #workinprogress

Well, that lasted about 10 minutes 🤪😆

Always looking for ways to bring art into our everyday lives, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity—sunny day, new park, and mom with her sketchbook! It was a win-win! Until it wasn’t…

Instead of playing, my kids decided to come over and complain, be sad, and argue. I told them they couldn’t sit at my table while doing that… and got the death glare from my daughter from a lovely 5-foot distance. 🙄

Some days you win, some days you don’t. We’re still in a tough season (if you’ve noticed, my posting has slowed down). Finding moments for art has been a challenge lately, but thankfully, I’ve got backup coming in May (thanks, Mom!) so I can dive back into some of my favorite art activities—Portrait Society of America and a painting workshop at East Oaks!

In the meantime, I’ll keep trying to find time to create… and take care of the sick kid at home! 😅

Best of luck to all my fellow creatives out there!

#emilyfossumart #charcoaldrawing #artistmom #generalpencil #generalcharcoal #charcoalsketch

Something new✨🥃

I’m excited to share a special project I’ve been working on with Winglore Spirits—a whiskey company founded by fighter pilots. They asked me to design the label for their bottles, and while planes aren’t usually my thing, I couldn’t say no! The company honors the history, memory, and spirit of military aviation which makes this even more meaningful to me.

For their launch, I had the honor of drawing the F-15E Strike Eagle. It’s been amazing to see my artwork come to life on these bottles, and I’m proud to be part of this project.

These limited edition bottles are signed by me and ready for the launch! Being in the fighter pilot community makes it all the more special to now be included in the winglore community!

Cheers to Winglore Spirits! 🍻✈️

#emilyfossumart #pastelart #planeart #seymourjohnsonafb #seymourjohnson #WingloreSpirits #Whiskey #MilitarySupport #StrikeEagle #Art #FighterPilots #Bourbon #whiskeyart

🖤🤍❤️ it’s amazing what just these three pencils can do!

I’m considering doing some of my charcoal and pastel sketches in oil paints. It should be fun to compare the results I can get with each and give me a clearer direction for large projects!

What do we think of starting with this sketch?? Is it giving phantom vibes to anyone else?

#emilyfossumart #threecolor #generalcharcoal #generalpencils #fabercastell

In case you needed a reason to visit the art museum... I’ve got 10!

Museums are where the magic happens—where inspiration, technique, and creativity all collide. Here’s why you should pack your sketchbook next time you head to one:

1. 👀 Get up close and personal with the masters.
2. 🔥 Watch your artistic fire get ignited.
3. 🧐 Unlock the secret techniques of legendary artists.
4. 🖼️ See realism from every angle—past and present.
5. 👁️ Sharpen your observation skills.
6. 🧠 Build your visual library for endless creative references.
7. ⏳ Cultivate the patience and focus required for realist work.
8. ✨ Find fresh inspiration and make it your own.
9. 📚 Dive into the history and stories behind each painting.
10. ❤️ Feel the beauty in every brushstroke.

After my visit to the museum, I couldn’t wait to dive into a master study of Bouguereau’s little girl. The colors, the lighting, the subtle transitions… pure magic!

#emilyfossumart #ArtMuseumVibes #RealistArt #Bouguereau #MasterStudy #ArtInspiration #PaintingProcess #ArtistLife #ArtJourney #MuseumVisit #OilPainting #ArtLovers #CreativeJourney

High high hopes.

Sometimes that’s just how it goes! It’s hard trying to balance this busy season of life with my desire to become a painter. Yesterday wasn’t my day, but maybe today will be!

Wishing you all happy painting!

#emilyfossumart #artistmom #artistmomlife #artistproblems

Told you I’d post the good the bad and the ugly. This particular failure wasn’t so bad because I really embraced the idea of being able to let go and not struggling to make something work when it isn’t. I’ll attempt another mirror selfie later on, this hasn’t scared me away!

Also, this is how I curl my hair for those of you who have no idea what’s going on there! 😆 Sometimes I think I look like a Star Wars character while the curler is in, ha ha!

#emilyfossumart #artistmom #oilpainting #selfportrait #artfailures #portraitart

Sweet Sunday sketch. Being a part of a very young squadron, I am never lacking in adorable little models to practice on! I drew this guy during church a few weeks ago and loved how the simple sketch turned out! (I think his parents did too!)

I have a wandering mind and somehow when I’m sketching I’m able to focus it better. Does anyone else feel that way? I love listening to sermons, audiobooks, and movies while I draw or paint. Sometimes when I see a drawing I’ve done clips of what I listened to at the time pop into my head! Strange how our brains are wired, and I’m not sure if this is normal or not, haha!

Supplies I always have with me:
@generalpencil charcoal pencils- hard, medium & white.
A kneaded eraser and a @tombowusa monozero erase.
My modified 6x8 sketchbook made by @leachstudio out of @strathmoreart paper, which is best for these small sketches!

#emilyfossumart #charcoalartist #charcoalsketch #generalpencil #generalcharcoal #strathmore #strathmoresketchbook #sketching #sundaysketch

Send help. 😆

As a dry media artist, I’ve never had to deal with the dreaded GLARE before! It’s new and it’s not fun. When all you can see is the brush strokes and not the actual value or color of the paint you’re putting down it can get annoying! I’m constantly moving around to see it better! Anyone know the feeling?

The plan moving forward- I’m thinking shower curtains over my overhead lights to soften the direct light.

Any other suggestions?? Totally open! What do you do to combat the glare?

Any help or commiseration is welcome!! Thanks!!!!

#emilyfossumart #artistproblems #artistmom #oilpainting #paintingproblems

Another portrait experiment in the books! 🎨✨ This bearded man in a black cloak is either an old wizard or a guy who’s really into his mysterious vibes—and I’m here for it. Started this sketch in the morning, and after a few hours (and some questionable paint choices), I finished it up with my East Oaks friends in the evening. 3-4 hours total, with plenty of room to improve, but that’s part of the fun!

This is portrait #5, and I’m half expecting him to come to life and ask me to go on an adventure! 🧙‍♂️✨

What’s the weirdest, most niche subject you’ve tried to capture in your art? 🤔 Drop a comment—let’s talk about your most random creative projects. We’ve all got that one thing that’s a little... out there. 🖤💬

#emilyfossumart #newpainting #artstudent #PortraitPainting #ArtJourney #EastOaks #MagicAndMischief

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Follow the journey on Instagram!

@emilyfossumart

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We absolutely love it. It captures him perfectly! It is so impressive and I hope you use it to advertise your talent. Anyone who wants a portrait should come to you. Everyone who has seen it has been so impressed. We are so thrilled. It’s now my phone wallpaper! I just think you did an amazing job. So happy! Thank you!
Ryan

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EMILY FOSSUM ART

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