The story behind Contemporary Animal Artist Emma Reay
I was born in 1993 into a naturally creative family, where art and expression were part of everyday life. My grandfather was a calligrapher and watercolour painter, and my father is a poet, which meant creativity, storytelling, and visual thinking were always encouraged. From an early age, making things felt instinctive rather than learned.
At high school, I studied Art and Graphic Design, excelling in both subjects and developing a strong foundation in visual composition, colour, and concept. I continued my creative education at college, where I studied Art, Graphic Design, and Filmmaking, expanding my understanding of visual narrative and mixed media.
Qualifications and Career
I went on to study Fine Art with Media at university, graduating with a BA (Hons) degree. This course provided comprehensive training across a wide range of disciplines, including painting, drawing, etching, graphic design, photography, video editing, sculpture, silk screen printing, collage, and more. This broad technical background continues to influence how I approach my paintings today, particularly in how I layer materials, textures, and ideas.
Alongside my artistic practice, I have worked in marketing for 12 years, using graphic design, photography, and video editing extensively in my professional role. This experience has sharpened my eye for composition, visual impact, and storytelling, skills that naturally carry over into my artwork. While my weekdays are spent in a fast-paced creative industry, my weekends are dedicated to acrylic painting, where I work more intuitively and emotionally.
My Creative Process
My work focuses on contemporary animal paintings set against abstract backgrounds, combining expressive mark-making with detailed animal subjects. The backgrounds are created instinctively, using colour, texture and movement to channel emotions, thoughts and experiences directly onto the canvas.
Once the abstract layers are complete, I focus on the animal, building detail over several sessions. I often alter colours, features and elements from my reference images to create a unique interpretation rather than a direct copy. Most paintings take between one and two months to complete.
I work with a variety of tools including brushes, palette knives, sponges and found objects to create texture and unexpected marks. Throughout the process, I spend time observing the painting, allowing narratives and hidden imagery to emerge within the abstract elements.
My artistic influences include Robert Rauschenberg, Steve Smythe and Andy Warhol, whose experimental approaches to art helped shape my creative development.
GET IN TOUCH
To enquire about exhibitions, commissions and more, send an email to: emmareayartist@gmail.com