Emily Adams: Capturing Beauty, Whimsy, and Elegance Through Paint

Emily Davis Adams is a visual artist dedicated to representational painting, using her work as a medium for both aesthetic beauty and critical thought. With a background that blends art and science, she studied at UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture and UC Berkeley, earning a BS from UC Berkeley and an MFA from the New York Academy of Art, where she received the 2011 Postgraduate Fellowship. Her work has been recognized in prominent publications such as The Los Angeles Times and Artillery Magazine. As an educator, she has taught at Queens College in New York City, Sonoma State University, and Stanford University. Currently, she lives and works in the Bay Area.

Emily’s artistic philosophy is rooted in capturing the world as she envisions it—imbued with beauty, imagination, and a touch of whimsy. Her paintings reflect her love of fashion, French culture, and feminine objects that spark curiosity. Self-taught in her exploration of texture and color, she juxtaposes vintage charm with contemporary elegance. Inspired by Parisian storefronts, elegant country gardens, and the timeless allure of everyday objects, her work invites viewers to appreciate the humor and beauty woven into daily life.

Living a secluded life in her beloved country home, Emily balances her artistic practice with extensive travel, particularly to France—a constant source of inspiration. Her motto, “Life is too short to overlook the beauty and humor right in front of us,” is evident in each brushstroke, making her paintings a celebration of life’s simple yet profound pleasures.