Having graduated at UCA Maidstone with BA Hons Illustration in 2007, Emma Colbert began working on portrait commissions and producing her own series of wildlife pastel paintings. She is now a leading animal portrait artist, endorsed by Unison Soft Colour Pastels. Emma has created colour selections of soft pastels for them designed specifically for painting animals. You can read more about Emma’s Animal Unison sets here.
After discovering pastel at a young age, Emma knew this was the medium in which she wanted to develop. An equal love of animals has fuelled a love of painting them. Using pastels in a painterly way Emma creates highly detailed, vibrant work inspired by the beauty of nature and light.
Although in the beginning, animals were the main focus of Emma’s paintings, she has broadened her range of subject these days. In 2018 Emma started a Patreon channel to teach others all the soft pastel techniques she has honed over many years. Through Youtube and Patreon Emma has introduced many artists to the beauty of using soft pastel.
It’s from making video tutorials, that many new passions have been uncovered, including landscape painting. Teaching and experimenting with new materials have pushed Emma beyond her comfort zones in a bid to inspire artists at all stages of their journey and help them progress.
For pastel tutorials visit Patreon or browse the library of tutorials available here on the website.
Emma says…
“I have always loved painting animals and pastel is the perfect choice. To paint animals I can’t imagine achieving high definition in the fur, yet a convincing softness, with any other medium.
I hope to continue painting wild animals and pet portraits for many years as it makes me happy! I get to put all my effort into making something that will be forever special to those who own it and bring a smile to many faces.
However, these days I’m enjoying painting a broad range of subject matter and hope to continue to grow and evolve as an artist while sharing the love of soft pastel with others.”