“My passion is using my camera to capture the spirit of the inspirational people I’ve been commissioned to photograph. For me the pressing of the button is the final part of that process; it’s the conversation with a person that happens before I even get the camera out of my bag, that enables me to create the story my images will tell.” Betty Bhandari

I met Emma Rose, a contemporary artist – whose vibrant, textured paintings are explosions of semi-abstract joy – in her beautiful home which is a living artwork in itself.  The house is layered with paintings, photographs, sculptures, musical instruments, sketches, fabrics and object d’art – a fascinating and eclectic mix.

Like her work, Emma is multi-faceted. She has been painting full-time for twelve years, however before making the decision to follow her passion, she worked in theatre and film. Throughout her London career she always had a keen interest in art and honed her skills at the Chelsea Studios, as well as being mentored by her stepfather – Godfrey Cake FRSA the painter, photographer and sculptor.

Here is what Emma thought about my shoot with her:

“I am lucky enough to have met Betty on numerous occasions when she has done the publicity photographs of my art exhibitions. However, recently I was delighted when she asked me to be a study for her project Artists At Work. She is the sweetest lady, very likeable and efficient. Explaining what she was doing and why as we went along.”

Emma uses a lot of sponges to create her paintings. When looking around her studio we realised that the sponges themselves are pieces of art.

Emma creates commissions for a range of clients, an interesting mix of interior designers, property developers, long-standing admirers who keep adding to their collections (one client has 36!), and curious (often nervous) first-time buyers. 

She appreciates that for the latter group of people, the process of commissioning a painting can be daunting, so she takes the time to get to know them, working to develop their ideas of what they envisage the final piece might be – this is a joyful collaboration which is a delight for both parties.

Emma wants people to enjoy the experience of working with her and to play an active part, which is exactly how I feel when I am taking photos of my clients, I want them to understand the process, share their thoughts throughout and that way we create an authentic collaboration.

Emma says:

“Lots of my clients  contact me to create a statement piece of art:  perhaps following the purchase of a new home or the refurbishment of a room, for selling a show home, decorating offices and presents.  I want to give them the piece de resistance, or the “cherry on the cake” as one of my lovely customers recently called it.  

My painting will be something that they can look at all the time and then often see something different each time they look – and of course be handed down through the generations. I am lucky enough to get wonderful feedback from my clients.”

Here’s a couple of recent reviews…

“Buying a painting from Emma is like commissioning an haute couture dress as opposed to buying than an ‘off the peg’ frock. The process was the same, the selection of the materials,  the style, size, colours, and it being the perfect fit for us. There is a real sense of personalisation and luxury and the result is a treasured item, a classic piece that stands the test of time, doesn’t go out of fashion and ultimately is a wonderful investment. In summary we are delighted with our tailor-made artwork by Emma Rose!” Mr&Mrs Waltho

“I now know that ‘to commission’ simply means ‘to bring a special room together perfectly’, and hand on heart, is an investment thoroughly worth making for a space that’s important to you. The zest for life, exuberance and beauty that Emma poured into my painting is palpable. I utterly adore it and now would recommend the commission process to anyone who wants to make a special space even more special.”  Mrs R Houston

Emma lives with her husband John and daughters Delilah and Geneieve in a 1640 cruciform barn, converted in the 1970’s and further developed by the couple to suit their life full of friends, family, music, gardening, art and animals.

They also have a beautiful AirB&B next to the Art Studio called ‘The Art Cottage’ (entirely hung with Emma’s art).  This has two bedrooms and can sleep 5 – it has far reaching south facing valley views with a large garden. Private and tranquil.

She encourages visits to the studio – open by appointment – all day/evening – where you are guaranteed a jolly welcome and can browse for paintings, limited edition giclée prints (framed and unframed), canvas prints and cards.  You can also see work in progress and chat about commissions.  Most years she does Studio Sales and exhibits in London and the South West – all dates on her website.  Or write to her to sign up for updates on emmaroseartworks@gmail.com

The Art Studio: https://www.emmaroseartworks.com

The Art Cottage: https://www.theartcottagebath.com

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