Emersen Barnes

Canadian Illustrator specializing in acrylic and ink. Known for vibrant seascapes, impressionist portraits, and unique event posters. Resonating with a love for coming-of-age stories, fantasy realms, and the rich tapestry of maritime culture.

Until recently, I lived in Halifax, where I had a small business creating unique illustrative show posters for local musicians and community theatres. I would also volunteer to create concept art for new writers with my local rec centre. I recently moved to Toronto, where I am working to rebuild my brand.

I primarily work in acrylic paint or Ink to create vibrant seascapes, surreal impressionist portraits, and high-contrast illustrations. I am heavily inspired by dark fantasy artists of the 1970s and 1980s, such as Frank Frazetta, the brothers Hildebrant, and Jim Henson. Although I tend to lean towards more optimistic visuals, I aim to have an overlying theme of whimsicality in every piece.

I graduated from Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning with a Visual and Creative Arts certificate. It was a two-year program where I could explore an enormous variety of new art media and refine any skills I already had.