Bermudian artist Rhona Emmerson was educated at Whitney Institute, Mount Saint Agnes Academy and The Bermuda College before studying graphic arts at Ryerson Polytechnic Institute and graduating from George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology with a diploma in Graphic Design in 1977. Now the president and art director of AAC Saatchi & Saatchi advertising agency, Emmerson spends her free time traveling and painting with the Plein Air Group. She is currently preparing for their upcoming group show at the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art which runs from November 7-19.
How did you first get into painting?
I have painted all my life, having come from an very artistic family, the arts were a natural course for university and career goals. My oil painting has over time has developed into professional body of work for both commercial and residential collections. And has been shown in many gallery shows.
Describe this collection.
Bermuda inspired land and seascapes
What technique did you use?
Impressionist and illustrative style, with loose bold colors
Why do you do what you do?
It gives me great pleasure to create something new.. and I love the challenge.
Who (or what) inspires you?
Mother nature… Can’t beat it.
Name three artists you’d like to be compared to.
Tough one..still growing and learning so not ready for that yet..
Favourite or most inspirational place?
So far Bermuda, Venice and South of France. Too many wonderful places in the world to select just one. Inspiration is everywhere!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Paint to the light.
What, in your opinion, is the hardest step in creating a masterpiece?
[Finding} a body of concentrated time. Life is still too busy. I could paint all day.
How do you manage balancing work/life?
With difficulty…but making choices to paint is getting easier, rather than doing something else.
If someone wanted to purchase your work or request a commission, how can they best contact you?
Email rhonaemmerson@gmail.com or remmerson@aac.bm
