Meet Art by Emma Lian
Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
I was raised in Dillon, Colorado, surrounded by our world class ski resorts and natural beauty. I think growing up in such a small (at the time) community, whose values lie in appreciating nature and human connection, influenced my work as it is today. I began my watercolor journey focused solely on botanicals and have transitioned into more elaborate pieces that are influenced by the moments that make us human.
Who is your biggest influence?
You wouldn’t necessarily know this based on my realism, but my favorite artist is Monet. I remember learning about his art practices in an art history class I took in college and fell in love with everything he’s created. His study of light and color became a really strong driving force in my art. Our styles are polar opposite but our love of color connects us.
What is the hardest part of your creation process?
Patience, honestly. My pieces are heavily layered and built up slowly with no shortcuts, no salt or alcohol tricks, everything worked directly from reference photos. One of my pieces of pigment jars from a windmill in Zaanse Schans, Netherlands, took about 168 hours. The hardest part isn't the technical skill, it's staying in that slow, meditative headspace for that long without rushing the layers or giving up.
What's your favorite item that you've created, and why?
My Artist's Apothecary, a painting of pigment jars inside a centuries-old Dutch windmill that still grinds pigment for paint. It's the largest and most intricate piece I've attempted, and the first time I let myself step fully outside botanicals. Slowing down that much for one piece taught me something about patience I'm still carrying into my work.
What do you love most about Arvada or Colorado in general?
Colorado is the most beautiful place in the world. The mountains make me feel safe and at peace. There is nowhere else I would rather be.
What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect?
I’m an Australian citizen! I lived in Western Australia for 5 years, from 2018 to 2023, and 4 of those years were spent in the remote Outback town of Tom Price. In this tiny town I taught myself how to paint with watercolors through YouTube.
Anything special you'd like to share?
My work has been shared in British VOGUE, something that still feels like a major pinch me moment.
We’re so excited to see all of this incredible work and more in person so soon! Catch Art by Emma Lian in Olde Town Arvada this October 17th & 18th!
See more from Art by Emma Lian:
Website: www.artbyemmalian.com/
Instagram: @artbyemmalian
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