I have been drawing family homes for the last 10 years. My pictures include the people and loved ones that go with the house, so every commission tells a family's story. My house portraits are as personal as I can make them. I aim to capture a moment in time, including hobbies, interests, pets and the everyday things people have in their lives.

I also draw workplace portraits, such as restaurants, pubs, offices, hospitals and factories. All the personnel and details that make a business special are incorporated within the drawing. My pictures often become a talking point, and stand out from photographs when used to advertise in print and online publications.

In addition I draw maps of towns highlighting local culture, iconic features and places of historical interest.

I developed my style using skills I picked up art directing during a brief spell in advertising, bringing ideas to life with marker pens and drawing story boards. I also spent a year making etchings. I have moved from one of the most traditional art processes to embracing twenty-first century art technology.

My pictures are all sketched, inked, then coloured with a digital pen. This process is invaluable as it gives my clients a chance to take part in the creative process. Each drawing takes between thirty to forty hours to finish. On completion of the first draft I offer clients the opportunity to have changes and tweaks, ensuring complete customer satisfaction.

My clients come from all walks of life – personal, corporate, public bodies and even the occasional celebrity. I am always discreet and will never give any personal information away.

I am from the Potteries and live and work in Stone, Staffordshire.

I have images licensed as jigsaws with WHSmith and Jumbo, and fine china mugs made by Staffordshire based Dunoon Ceramics.

I also have large art installations in hospital wards at The Royal Stoke, County Hospital and in the main entrance hall of

The Haywood Hospital, all in North Staffordshire.

About

© Emma Joustra  2017  All Images and text can only be used with permission from the artist