Emma Coleman-jones OAS – portfolio

Contact the artist

https://www.emmacoleman-jones.co.uk
07758 092728
emmacolemanjonesart [@] gmail.com

 

 

Exhibition information

Tree drawings in charcoal and chalk from Oxford and the surrounding area displayed at Wycliffe Hall, adjacent to the University Parks. All made in situ, these opportunistic drawings are a direct response to the look and feel of the landscape at a given moment in time. Inspired and informed by my background as a biologist, I study the shape, form and grouping of trees and capture the changes in mood brought about by different weathers, seasons and times of day. The majority of my drawings are of trees from Oxford’s parks, meadows, woods and college gardens, with some  from the nearby Chiltern Hills. 

In addition to original drawings,  limited edition prints, maps, cards and mini concertina books will also be available.

During the first week of Artweeks (2-10 May) I will also have work on display in South Oxfordshire as part of the Dorchester Festival. As Lead Artist for the Festival, I have been working on an exciting Community Art Installation in collaboration with sculptor David Harber. This non-selling exhibition (venue 78) will feature the work of hundreds of individuals from across the local  who have responded to natural, physical and built landscape of Dorchester, The Thames and nearby Wittenham Clumps. I will have sketchbooks and drawings on display. 

Artist information

I am an artist and biologist specialising in drawing trees within the landscape. My field sketches are light, instinctive and atmospheric responses to the natural world, completed in situ in charcoal, chalk and pencil. Rarely leaving home without a sketchbook, I work outside throughout the year, exploring the form, character and groupings of trees and capturing the changing light, weather and mood through the seasons. 

Most of my drawings are from Oxford itself, inspired by the magnificent trees of the city and University. I draw frequently in the University Parks, Port Meadow, Christchurch Meadow and Wytham Woods.  I also seek out interesting and historic trees within the gardens of many Oxford Colleges and work in the beautiful open landscapes of the Chiltern Hills. Understanding the ecological, historical and cultural significance of the trees I draw is integral to my work and is reflected in my frequent commissions as well as in talks, lectures and writing on the subject. 

In my studio I draw natural history specimens and work with paper, text and maps to explore the language of place and of nature. Observational drawing, and its role in understanding and appreciating the natural world plays a central role in my teaching and workshops. 

I have exhibited and sold my work widely with solo shows at galleries and colleges in Oxford (most recently at Wolfson College and Wycliffe Hall) and group shows in London and Sussex.

In 2025 I was the recipient of the Mary Moser Award for an artist who has taken up the profession as a second career.