about Me
Emma S Davis
Scottish Landscape Artist
In The Studio
I’m Emma S Davis, a Scottish landscape artist inspired by Scotland’s coastlines, islands and cities.
I create original paintings in oil and mixed media, along with limited edition prints, open edition prints, framed ceramic tile prints and art cards.
Some of my most popular collections feature the Isle of Arran, with its sunsets and coastal views, the historic town of St Andrews, and the charming fishing villages of the East Neuk.
My work also celebrates the Scottish Highlands, the Outer Hebrides, Edinburgh and Glasgow — each piece reflecting colour, atmosphere and a true sense of place.
My Path to Glasgow School of Art
Student Days
I've been immersed in the world of drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. With two artists as parents, I grew up surrounded by creativity, and a sketchbook was my constant companion. Childhood visits to galleries and museums left me in awe of the art world and shaped my love of Scottish art.
Throughout school my ambition was clear - to study drawing and painting at the Glasgow School of Art in the historic Mackintosh studios. In 1994, that dream became reality when I was accepted into the GSA, and in 1998 I graduated with a sell-out degree show.
Scottish Art Awards and Recognition
RSW Diploma Certificate
The success of my degree show led to gallery commitments across the UK, marking the start of my professional journey as a Scottish artist.
In 2000, I was awarded The Alexander Graham Munro Travel Award at the RSW Annual Exhibition, which took me to San Gimignano in Tuscany. Travels through Florence, Siena, Pisa and Lucca became a rich source of inspiration.
In 2001, I was honoured with the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour (RSW) diploma. The certificate signed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, hung proudly in my Gran’s living room for many years.
In 2009, I was proud to receive the Paisley Art Institute (PAI) diploma to add to my achievements. Other prizes inlude:
The House for an Art Lover Award
Sir William Gilles Award
Miller’s Creativity Award
The Glasgow Art Club Award
The British Contemporary Artist Award
Balancing Family and Creativity
It’s A Family Affair
In 2005 I married Alan, and our 2 daughters have grown up surrounded by art. Dogs have been constant companions in the studio over the years - Beau and Bear, our golden retrievers, keep me company today.
For many years Alan and I shared workspaces, with my art studio and his picture framing workshop. Together we also ran a gallery space, hosting exhibitions and community events. Today, Alan supports my work with framing, carefully preparing orders, and managing the website, while I paint from my home studio. Our art business has truly become a family endeavour.
A Royal Honour
Meeting King Charles
Building on the RSW diploma awarded by Her Majesty The Queen in 2001, I was honoured in 2009 to be invited to afternoon tea at The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. There I had the pleasure of meeting His Majesty King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) and Queen Camilla (then Duchess of Cornwall). Alan and I even shared a light-hearted moment with The King - a memory we’ll treasure and one to tell the grandchildren.
Canvas to Fabric and Design
FAbrics, Prints and Collaborations
Beyond painting, I’ve explored textile design, creating fabrics for a fashion brand in Montreal, and luxury cushions combining Harris Tweed with my artwork.
More recently, my artwork was chosen by the Isle of Bute Distillery to feature on their award-winning Island Gin - a project that celebrated the island’s creative spirit and brought my art to a new audience. I’ve also introduced a collection of printed products featuring my artwork, now available here on my website and through selected outlets across the UK.
Scottish Landscape
Inspiration
Full Circle
Sketchbook in hand, I continue to draw inspiration from Scotland’s coast and islands - places like Camusdarach beach at Arisaig, with its views across to Rum, Eigg, and Muck. The landscape never fails to move me, and I feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude to call this country home.
From a child with a dream to an artist in galleries across Scotland and beyond, the journey has taken me through the Glasgow School of Art, the Mackintosh studios and many rewarding exhibitions. I look forward with excitement to the chapters still to come.
Sketchbook Sign-Off
Thank You
Thank you to those who have supported me along the way - it’s been a rollercoaster journey at times, but also rewarding. I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into my artistic path.
I’ll be sharing updtaes, adventures and upcoming exhibitions on my blog, and I’m grateful to have you as part of this story.
Emma x