Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Holman Morris.
Emily, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m a realist painter who loves beautiful subjects. I started painting with oil in 2009 and received my Master’s in Fine Arts in 2013. I moved from California to Dallas shortly afterward and married a Texan (complete with cowboy boots). I specialize in portraits and figures and have been finding myself painting more and more dramatic oceanscapes.
This year, I was the winner of the Catholic Foundation’s “Year on the Plaza” award. You can now see my mural, “Windows to the City” across the street from the Meyerson Symphony in the Dallas Arts District. It’s been fun to see to something I’ve painted become a large-scale work for public display!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
We artists can be moody people, so staying motivated is a challenge sometimes. I usually have another idea I can’t wait to begin! I’ve learned to simply make it to the finish line. Of course, another challenge is balancing life with work. I have two children under the age of three, and it can be tough to manage everything perfectly- I’ve had to learn to prioritize to get things done.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I specialize in portraits and am available for portrait commissions. In fact, that is one of my very favorite things to do. I find every single person so fascinating and love finding a way to portray their soul and personality.
I work in the traditional style of the great masters of the Renaissance. Oil paint lets me apply thin layers that let light and color show through, mimicking the transparency of human skin. I absolutely love the last stages of a portrait painting, when the subject seems to come alive as more glazing layers are completed.
What were you like growing up?
I was always a bit on the quiet, thoughtful side. I think my favorite activity was reading indoors – making me the palest kid in the class in sunny San Diego. As I got older, I really found myself in art. I had an amazing high school ceramics teacher who encouraged my interest in clay; I thought for a little while I would become a sculptor until I found painting.
Pricing:
- Portrait Commissions – starting at $600
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emilyholmanmorris.weebly.com
- Email: emilyholmanart@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyholmanmorris/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmilyHolmanMorris/
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
