Emily Fossum

A woman with long red hair and a floral dress sits at a drawing desk, working on a detailed portrait of a woman holding a candle. She looks toward the camera, pencil in hand.
  • A woman with long, wavy hair and a blue dress sketches a portrait painting of an elderly man with a beard, displayed in a museum gallery with wooden walls and framed artwork.
  • A realistic pencil drawing of a curly-haired dog is displayed on a spiral sketchbook, with two pencils—one wooden, one orange—lying beside the drawing on a wooden surface.
  • Realistic pencil drawing of a tiger's face, showing detailed fur texture, expressive eyes, and distinct black stripes on a gray background. The tiger looks directly forward, with its ears slightly pointed outward.
  • A hand holding a pencil is drawing a realistic portrait of a happy, smiling dog with fluffy fur and expressive eyes on a light-colored paper.
  • A woman in a beige shawl cradles a baby wrapped in a reddish blanket. The scene is softly lit, highlighting her somber expression as she gazes into the distance, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation.
  • A young girl in old-fashioned clothing stands in front of a brick fireplace, holding a teapot with both hands and gazing softly at the viewer. The image is rendered in black and white.

Products Featuring Emily’s Artwork

Emily’s Favorite General Pencil Drawing Tools

About Emily

Emily Fossum is a professional artist specializing in dry media, with a particular love for charcoal, graphite, and pastel. For over 15 years, she has been creating commissioned portraits that celebrate the beauty of people, animals, and everyday moments. Deeply inspired by the Old Masters, Emily often brings her sketchbook and charcoals along on museum visits, studying classical works to inform and enrich her own practice.

Emily’s lifelong passion or drawing began in early childhood and has grown into a career marked by dedication to both craft and community. She is a member of the Portrait Society of America and finds great joy in connecting with fellow artists – learning from their experiences and encouraging them in their creative journeys. Currently based on the East Coast, Emily continues to refine her skills while balancing motherhood and military family life, often drawing alongside her two young children. Her work, grounded in tradition yet full of life, is a testament to her belief in the enduring power of portraiture

Instagram: @EmilyFossumArt
To view her work or request a commission, visit: EmilyFossumArt.com