EMILY FOSSUM ART

Professional Portrait Artist

SERVICES

Each of my portraits is an original work of fine art, custom designed specifically for your family to enjoy. I will strive to bring your special photos and memories to life with each pencil stroke. I work closely with you, drawing a personalized portrait to capture a personality and enhance your home. These detailed graphite and charcoal artworks, crafted with care, will be a luxury heirloom portrait treasured for generations.

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

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

Painting #2 in the books! I’m feeling super motivated to keep pushing and keep growing! Painting is so hard, but oh so rewarding! Let me know what you think of this quick sketch 🤍

Those of you who paint- what is a piece of advice you wish you knew when you first began painting? Or a piece of advice someone did give you and you were thankful for?

#emilyfossumart #artistmom #artadventures #paintingnewbie #oilpainting #daughters #portraitsketch

Eek! My very first attempt at direct portrait painting in oil—so excited to share this! I’ve never done a portrait painting like this before, so this was a whole new experience for me. At first, I was just battling to make it look like a human, but now I’m really happy with how she turned out, especially for a first try! There’s so much room to grow, but I had such a fun time experimenting with the colors. I loved capturing the light as it hits her face- the orange highlights as the sun kisses her cheek- the purple tones in the depths of the shadow areas—it’s honestly such a beautiful effect. The red cape was so fun too; it feels so imaginative and makes her look like she could be anyone in her own world!

Let me know what you think in the comments! I’d love to hear your thoughts, and don’t forget to follow for more art as I continue to grow! 🎨✨

#oilpainting #portraitpainting #directpainting #artistjourney #artprogress #firsttry #paintingprocess #momartist #artistsoninstagram

Welcome to the world, little one! Drawing your tiny features was pure joy!

I can’t wait to meet my newest nephew in person, love him so much already!

#emilyfossumart #newnephew #charcoalsketching #generalpencil #charcoalpencil #generalcharcoal

In this chapter of my creative journey, I’m letting go of the pressure to be “perfect.“ For so long, I’ve stayed within the safe confines of drawing, but now I’m stepping out of my comfort zone, and into the world of painting. It’s messy, it’s challenging, and it’s anything but perfect- but that’s the point! I’m embracing the process and all the lessons that come with it.

This is a reminder that growth happens when we stop chasing perfection and start trying something new. We don’t have to stay in our safe boxes. Take a leap, trust yourself, and see where it leads. Who knows what you’re capable of when you step outside your comfort zone?

#emilyfossumart #trusttheprocess #artistchallenge #artistmom

My very first attempt at painting in years… and I decided to tackle an onion. Is it a masterpiece? Absolutely not. 😂 But it’s a start! Anyone anyone else out there trying something new and (maybe a little messy) this year? Drop a comment, and let’s cheer each other on!

#emilyfossumart #artistproblems #newyearnewgoals #startingsomethingnew

Playing with ideas and sketching... This one may not evolve into a full piece, but I’m really enjoying the process of exploration. Does this sketch evoke any thoughts or emotions for you? I’d love to hear your feedback as I continue developing these concepts!

#emilyfossumart #artinspiration #sketching #generalpencil #strathmoreart

That moment when you finally complete a piece and feel the weight lift off your shoulders. Can’t wait to share it with you all when the time is right.

#emilyfossumart #generalpencil #artistmom #ArtJourney #CreativeRelief

Here’s a little collection of dog portraits I’ve created over the years! 🐾 Each one holds a special place in my heart. Can you guess which portrait is the newest and which one is the oldest? 🤔 Drop your guesses in the comments! 👇

As a charcoal artist, it’s always fun to see how my style has evolved over time. I’d love to hear what you think—are there any that stand out to you as favorites? 🖤

#emilyfossumart #charcoalportraits #portraitartist #PetPortraits #CharcoalArt #DogArt #AnimalLover #generalpencil

House: clean
Brain: empty
Art: stuck

It’s amazing what I can accomplish when I’m procrastinating! Anyone else relate? 🫣 Currently the creative block is real! At lease my stairs benefitted!

#emilyfossumart #artproblems #artistproblems #artistmom #stayathomemom #arthumor

Commissioned by a client who wanted a unique dog portrait, this piece turned out to be extra special! 🦇 Big eyes, bat-wing ears, and a personality that shines through—just like their furry friend.

I worked on this custom portrait using black-and-white charcoal on gray paper while waiting for my daughter’s gymnastics class to finish. Proof that you can make something magical out of ordinary moments!

What’s your favorite quirky detail in this piece? Let me know and tag a friend who loves dogs with personality!
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#emilyfossumart #generalcharcoal #charcoalpencils #PetPortraits #CommissionArt #CharcoalDrawing #DogArt

All I wanted was a peaceful drawing session with my little one, but instead, I got a full-on meltdown. 😅 She couldn’t find her eraser and thought her drawing was “so weird”—classic seven-year-old artist struggles, right?! 🖤

Fellow artists, can you relate? Some days it’s like the world’s against your creative flow. But hey, it’s all part of the process, right? 🙃 Tell me about the last time your art didn’t go quite as planned (or when you had a mini meltdown). Let’s bond over our not-so-peaceful creative moments. 👇
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#emilyfossumart #artistmom #artistlife #artwithkids #ArtFails #MomLife #ArtistStruggles #CreativeChaos”

An especially cute Christmas commission 🤍

#emilyfossumart #charcoaldrawing #portraitartist #generalpencil #strathmore

Imagine if the only opinion that mattered was your own. Who would you be? What would you create? ✨ In a world full of distractions, it’s easy to forget that true happiness comes from within—and from doing what we love. 💫

Let’s start listening to our inner voice and embracing what truly excites us. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to create or explore, but haven’t yet? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts! 🎨✨

Here’s to being our own unique authentic selves in 2025! 🥳

#emilyfossumart #charcoaldrawing #portraitartist #artistmom #authenticself #CreateYourHappiness #ArtJourney #EmbraceYourPassion #SelfDiscovery #ArtLovers

What do we think she was staring at? Recent commission I was able to hand deliver to someone in England! (Does that mean my plane ticket was a business expense? 😜)

Currently back in the studio lining up my 2025 commissions, it’s going to be a busy year!

#emilyfossumart #petportraits #petportraitartist #petportraitcommission #charcoal #charcoalartist #generalpencil

Back in my studio after my England trip, and nothing beats a cozy moment with a cuppa and a biscuit. ☕️🫖✨ Taking it slow, letting the creativity flow, and enjoying these little comforts that make the process even sweeter.

What’s your perfect studio or creative time ritual? Share it with me!

#emilyfossumart #cuppatea #yorkshiregold #fortnamandmason #StudioVibes #PostTravelComfort #TeaTime #ArtistLife #CreativeRoutine

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CLIENT REVIEWS

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

SERVICES

GRAPHITE PORTRAIT

CHARCOAL PORTRAIT

PET PORTRAIT

SONOGRAM PORTRAIT

SILHOUETTE PORTRAIT

ORIGINAL ARTWORK

ABOUT

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Follow the journey on Instagram!

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CLIENT REVIEWS

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