Emily A. Pastor is a fine artist, specializing in representational oil painting. Emily received her training at the classical atelier, Sumpter Academy of Art in Portland, OR. Emily’s luminous and haunting compositions resonate with a growing base of collectors and her work has been exhibited in galleries such as the Salmagundi Club in New York City.
Emily and her husband (Paul J. Pastor) live in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge with their three children.
About
Artist Statement
Beauty is a balm
I am an artistic late-bloomer. I didn’t pursue oil painting until my 30s, but the desire to capture beauty and express it, has always been present with me. In some ways, I believe my delayed pursuit of painting has offered me invaluable experience that informs my art. Grief has shaped my vision as an artist. I am drawn to the ways that beauty is a balm for grief, and the ways grief empowers the creation of compelling art. Because of this, I am inspired by chiaroscuro (the effect of dramatic lighting). It is in the tension of light and dark that a beautiful form can emerge.
My work as an artist is to birth the inspiration that comes to me with honesty and integrity. My hope and prayer is that I will create beauty that will be a balm to others.
Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy.
~Emily
Curriculum Vitae
Education & Workshops
2024 Daniel Keys, Floral Composition
2024 Dominique Medici, Alla Prima Portraits
2023 Lori Putnam, Plein Air Landscapes
2019 – 2022
Sumpter Academy of Art, Portland, OR
Classical Art Atelier
2005 – 2007
Corban University, Salem, OR
B.S. English Communications, Summa Cum Laude
Shows & Exhibitions
2023 Salmagundi Club, SCNY Figurative Exhibition, New York, NY
2023 Salmagundi Club, 45th Annual Juried Open, New York, NY
2023 Redux Art Showcase, Portland, OR
2023 Bristol Art Museum, Miniature Monumental, Bristol, RI
2023 Combine Art Collective, 2nd Annual Juried Show, Walla Walla, WA
2022 Oil Painters of America, Fall Showcase, Honorable Mention
2022 Parklane Gallery, Winter Show, Kirkland, WA
2022 Parklane Gallery, International Miniature Show, Kirkland, WA
2022 Sumpter Academy Spring Exhibition, Portland, OR
2022 Society of Washington Artists Spring Show, Vancouver, WA
2021 Artists in the Gorge, Stevenson Library, Stevenson, WA
2021 Troutdale Art Center,Troutdale, OR
Publications
2024 Commonplace Living, “Wellspring Mother Artist Feature “
2023 The Unmooring Journal, “In Grief” cover image and feature
2021 A Burning in my Bones, print book “Flathead Valley Illustrative Map”
2020 Commonplace Quarterly, print magazine, “Nature Wreaths”
Memberships
Oil Painters of America
Portrait Society of America
Consider becoming a one-time patron
If viewing my art in the past has encouraged or inspired you and you'd like to invest in my professional development, I would be so honored by your support!