Contemporary Artist

Emma's story

My art is characterized by big, bold brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and contemporary, striking themes. I love to explore a variety of subjects, including Nostalgic Memories, Contemporary Portraits, Wildlife, Flowers, and Landscapes. I draw my inspiration from beautiful and striking images, which drive my passion for painting.

I find the reactions from my clients incredibly motivating, and the excitement I feel when my work is appreciated is powerful. It's a personal validation seeing my art in different parts of the world, from the UK and USA to Canada, Australia, Scandinavia, Ghana, Mauritius, Reunion Island, Japan, Ireland, and South Africa.

In June 2021, my husband Nic and I relocated from Durban, South Africa to Cork in Ireland. We are still the proud owners of Westville B&B, a five-star Bed & Breakfast in Durban with an art theme. This move to Ireland has provided a fantastic dual-continent arena for showcasing and selling my work.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my art career is creating bespoke art pieces and commissions for clients. The look of joy on their faces when they see their special memories or loved ones transformed into art is truly heartwarming, and I get a huge kick out of it. I refer to myself as a "re-born" artist as my visual art career took off in 2016, and since then, I have never looked back!

View My Portfolio

Hospitality Queen, Artist & Creative Entrepreneur

Self-portrait by the artist Emma JAcobs with her husband in the background

Emma's background

I went to Art lessons from very young, and I was fortunate enough to be taught by the amazing Nina Campbell-Quine at her Hyde Park Child Art Studio, and continued with art through to my final year of school..

In 2016 I started painting with oils, and attended numerous Portraiture and Landscape art classes and workshops to learn and grow as an artist. I was the founder of Durban Art Workshops in Westville, Durban where I helped other artists grow too with a group of teaching artists. I love the learning and self-discovery journey of art and painted weekly with a group of practicing artists with Dee Donaldson at Studio 3.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Organisation and Management from the University of Cape Town. I am currently enrolled in the Masters in Arts and Engagement part-time at the Crawford College of Art and Design, MTU in Cork, Ireland.

My career to-date has been in Learning & Development, Hospitality Management, and my Art Practice.

Oil Painting for Beginners classes:

In 2025, I started running a 6-week Introduction to Oil Painting course, which I have absolutely loved, and now also have a weekly painting group at the West Cork Collective in Ballinspittle, County Cork where I am a Member. For more information about my classes, email emma@emmajacobsart.com for dates and pricing.

Exhibitions & Galleries

In South Africa, I exhibited at the Hilton Arts Festival, Art in the Shade in Mtunzini, KZNSA Gallery’s Buzzart, Art in the Park in Pietermaritzburg, and The Aesthete Clarens Art Experience in the Free State.

In March 2020, I held my first solo exhibition at The Foyer at Studio 3 in Durban which ran for three weeks.

As a creative entrepreneur, I love the business side of art and interacting with clients directly. People and Painting, are my two passions!

Since arriving in Cork, Ireland in June 2021, I have been fortunate to have had four solo art exhibitions:

The Hideout Cafe and Art Gallery in Cork City over April / May 2024.
Cork Airport August 2024
The Grey Heron, West Cork February 2025
Kinsale Library March / April 2025

I was selected as the Artist in Residence at The Address Hotel, Cork and have been a regular participant in the Ballymaloe Craft Fair, and Kinsale Arts Weekend,

I am represented by the following Art Galleries:

Market Gallery in the Douglas Village Shopping Centre, Cork,
The Boathouse Gallery in Kinsale,
Draíocht, in Adare, Limerick.

My fine art prints and art cards are stocked at:

The Farm Shop, Marina Market, Cork
The Loft Gallery, Clonakilty
The Gift Horse, Tipperary
Kinsale Gift Collection

I am a member of the West Cork Collective, in Ballinspittle on the Wild Atlantic Way, where I have a selection of original oil paintings, fine art prints and greeting cards.

All of my available work can be found on my https://emmajacobsart.com/shop, at The Market Gallery, and can be viewed in person in Cork, Ireland by appointment.

To learn more about me and my journey, have a listen to Cork Creative podcast Episode 63 on their website or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Contact me on emma@emmajacobsart.com for more information on available art pieces, private or corporate commissions, my in-home consultations and travelling art gallery service.

Emma Jacobs Artist in Art studio with checked floor and work stations

Your commission Is my passion!

Emma Jacobs with Charmaine Schwenn and commissioned painting

CONTACT EMMA

I'd love to turn that special moment or treasured photo into a gorgeous piece of art for you ... please contact me, I love seeing the look of delight on my clients' faces when the see their artwork!

emma@emmajacobsart.com