Her lifelong delights in nature, color, pattern and fantasy inspire the art of Emily Fotis.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Emily moved to Fairfield, Iowa, in 1999, where she turned her love of drawing and illustrating into her full-time pursuit and devotion. While seeking her artistic niche, she studied with a master calligrapher to develop fine line quality; learned paint-and-ink-making; and produced graphics and illustrations for private clients and advertisers.

Captivated by the naiveté, innocence and spontaneity of folk art through the ages, Emily tried her hand – and found her perfect match. Painting in the folk art style gives free reign to her imagination and natural exuberance, and makes fine use of her innate sensitivity to color, balance and harmony.

Emily’s watercolors contain traditional motifs, such as birds, flowers, geometric forms and borders. They range from primitive to refined, from vivid to ethereal – each unique and charming, and each somehow infused with a life and personality of its own.

Response to Emily’s art has been extraordinary. Viewers young and old, connoisseur and novice, express a remarkably unanimous emotional reaction to her work. Whether they describe the effect as joyful, magical, peaceful, delightful, inspiring or thrilling – simply stated, Emily’s art makes people happy.

Through numerous exhibitions at galleries and shops, Emily has gained a following. Her paintings and prints now grace homes from the east coast to the west, as well as in England, Paris, Rome, Verona, and Umbria. Collectors comment on the continuing fresh appeal of the art, even with daily viewing.

Emily paints each original on antique paper, which lends a lovely mellowness and vintage quality. Natural pigments – ground from stones she collects from local creekbeds – provide an unmatchable depth and richness of color. These unique paints and papers, together with Emily’s sure hand and joyful spirit, produce art that is both old and new, a fresh take on a cherished tradition, meant to create delight.

Artist's Statement >