Hi! I’m Emma and I have been painting all my life… literally since I was old
enough to pick up a paint brush. When I was just 10 years old, I was gifted an expert
level art kit by a dear family friend that was previously owned by her late father. It was
filled with acrylic and watercolor paints, a wide variety of paintbrushes, pastels,
canvases and a beautiful wooden easel. I wasn’t quite sure what I was doing, but the
moment I touched my brush to the canvas, I was hooked. I started painting everything I
could see or imagine. I looked at old photographs and through magazines to find
inspiration. I painted landscapes, flowers, butterflies, buildings and animals. I painted
every day, and my skills grew with time and practice.

 

In high school, I got my very first job and a small art studio and school for children. I
learned to care for art materials, to teach art to small children and to run a tiny gallery. I
took several art classes in high school including drawing, painting, interior design, and
creative photography.

 

When I went to college at Colorado State University, I struggled with the idea of getting
an art degree. While I knew art was my greatest passion, I wasn’t quite as passionate
about school. I worried that if I majored in art, I would no longer love it. I took a few art
classes but ultimately decided to pursue my other passion – teaching. I got into the
education program in 2006 and taught preschool/pre-kindergarten for three years while
working toward my bachelor’s. I graduated in 2009 with a degree in Human
Development and Family Studies and continued working at the CSU Early Childhood
Center – the lab school on campus – for five more years. During my years of teaching,
my love of art was always present, and I eventually merged my two passions by starting
my own art programming within the curriculum at the school. I was given the opportunity
to purchase a wide variety of art materials including paints, brushes, canvases and
educational books. Each week, I taught the children about a new artist, and we would
emulate their style… Van Gogh, Klimt, O’Keeffe, Picasso, Kahlo. It was incredible to see
what those little ones could create!

 

In 2014, I decided to take a break from early childhood to pursue art again and I got a
job at a well-known painting and sipping company. It was a dream come true as I was
able to combine my painting talent with my teaching skills. I created hundreds of new
and original paintings for the studio classes. I implemented and led new programs
including off site events at local bars and breweries, collaborations with schools and
retirement homes, and new class ideas such as “Paint Your Pet”, painting on wood
signs, glow in the dark painting, fluid art and more. I developed my craft each day and
learned something new with every single class I taught. I worked my way up from studio
assistant to top lead instructor and loved every minute of it!

 

I worked eleven awesome years with the company, and then the studio closed at the
beginning of 2025. I was NOT ready to find a different job, so I decided to go on my own
adventure… AND HERE WE ARE! I opened my LLC in the spring of 2025 and used all
my knowledge, skills and experience to build a new brand! As Emma Paints Colorado, I
am creating custom artwork of all kinds, curating creative painting classes and events
for ALL ages, offering private lessons to children and adults, and collaborating with local
venues to bring art to the entire Denver Metro community!

 

I am so excited to share this journey with all my friends, family and followers - including
my amazing husband and son! I have met hundreds of amazing people over the last
eleven years that have come to my classes and continue to support me in every aspect
of my life and career. I could not do ANY of this without ALL of you and I couldn’t be
more grateful for the love and positivity you have shown and continue to show me every
day.

 

Here's to MANY MORE fantastic painting classes for years to come!
Check out my calendar of public events, book a private party, set up one-on-one
lessons, or order a custom painting from me!