The Heart Behind the Portrait
I've spent most of my life paying close attention to animals — the way a horse speaks in movement, the particular stillness of a dog at rest, the personality that lives just behind a cat's eyes. That kind of attention is what I bring to every portrait I make. I work primarily in graphite and acrylic, and my subjects are the animals who matter most to the people who love them — horses, dogs, cats, and everything in between. Each portrait is an attempt to catch not just a likeness, but a presence.
My background is a little unconventional. I studied drama at the University of Virginia, worked as a costumer for professional theatre, and spent time in film and television — including, memorably, a stint as a park guide in Jurassic World. I've worked as a veterinary assistant, studied natural hoof care, and grew up with deep family ties to the space program, from Apollo through the shuttle era. What all of that has in common, I think, is learning to observe carefully and to take the work seriously even when the work looks like play.
I offer commissions at several levels — from focused panel portraits to fully collaborative gallery pieces — as well as original works for sale. I'm also working toward certification in pet loss grief support, because I know that for many clients, a portrait is not just art. It's a way of filling up the empty spaces with tangible memories. I'm based in the southeastern United States and ship nationwide.
"For many clients, a portrait is not just art. It's a way of filling up the empty spaces with tangible memories."
Beyond the technical skill of graphite and acrylic, Emily brings a profound level of empathy to her process. Currently working toward certification in pet loss grief support, she recognizes that capturing an animal's likeness is often an act of honoring their legacy. Her portraits serve as a bridge between the physical and the remembered, providing a lasting, tangible presence for those who loved them most.