Emily Fair

Colorado Springs, CO

(b. 1979, Iowa)

“I love color! With a pallet knife, I build overlapping layers of oil paint using the wet on wet technique. The entire process is a sensory experience that delights me. The act of smooshing and blending the oil paint on my palette, carving into the wet paint to form the knots, the smell of the paint mixing with the impasto medium, the sound of the knife scraping across the canvas, watching the textures and colors build all keep me coming back for more.” – Emily 

Emily Fair was born and raised in rural NE Iowa. Rolling bluffs along the Mississippi River, forests full of towering hardwood trees and meandering creeks in every valley gave her a deep appreciation for the beauty and abundance of nature. Not until a 3D Fundamentals class in college did Emily realize her love of fine art. This led to degrees in both art and education from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA. Although she dabbled in all mediums, Emily focused her studies in oil painting.

Emily has been honored, inspired and encouraged by a 20+ year career selling fine art. This experience has widened her appreciation and knowledge of the art business from the perspective of the gallery, artist and collector. Exploring the Colorado landscape for over 15 years provides never ending inspiration. A hike through a towering aspen grove on  McClure Pass started her fascination with this alpine tree. Now the subject of Emily’s  paintings, the starkness of the aspen trunk balances and gives pause to the bold texture and color of her style.

Along with the title of artist, Emily owns 45° with her husband Reed,  is mother to daughter Hazel and is an avid gardener & home chef.