A Charcoal Comeback!

There’s something about charcoal. The softness, the honesty, the way it captures feeling without shouting. It’s where my art journey really began — and recently, I’ve felt the pull to come back to it.

I actually fell in love with charcoal when I was 11 years old (I won’t tell you how long ago that was…). My art teacher set us a project to use both pastels and charcoal — but it was charcoal that hooked me. We were asked to draw a huge picture of a gargoyle (which I’m fairly sure was my choice of subject… I’ve always been a bit of an oddball like that!).

I remember thinking to myself: this is a pretty awesome way to spend the day. I still have that drawing. It’s framed and up on the wall of my studio — not because it’s technically brilliant, but because it reminds me where all this started. How far I’ve come… and what never really changed.

Charcoal drawing of a gothic gargoyle created by artist Emma Keys at age 11, displayed in her Sherborne studio as a symbol of her artistic beginnings

I’ve got another lovely memory of drawing with my beloved Nanny too — but I’ll save that one for another day. ❤️

Since those early days, I stepped away from art for a long time — over ten years, in fact. It wasn’t until I became a new mum, exhausted and overwhelmed, that I sat down during one quiet nap time and picked up charcoal again. And just like before… it clicked. It grounded me. It gave me a way back to myself when I felt completely lost.

From there, I explored other mediums. I returned to graphite, then discovered the magic of watercolour, and eventually acrylics. But charcoal has always been home. I’ve never used pastels, oils, or coloured pencils — they’ve just never called to me the way charcoal does.

More recently, I picked it up again to create a series of charcoal stags set in the Scottish Highlands — and honestly, I didn’t expect the reaction they got. They sold quickly over the Bath & West weekend, and I had so many lovely conversations with people about them. There’s just something timeless about charcoal — it speaks to people in a quiet, powerful way.

So I’m leaning into that now.

Me with the original Charcoals sold at The Bath and West 2025

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be working on a few more charcoal pieces and sharing them live on TikTok. I’m excited to invite you into that part of the process — smudges, scribbles, tea breaks and all.

Three dog pet portraits on their way to their owners!

If you’ve followed my work from the beginning, you’ll probably recognise this return. And if you’re new here — welcome! You’re catching me in a bit of a full-circle moment.

Thanks for being here, and for letting me share something so personal.

Although pet portraits are a big part of what I do, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. I also create custom artwork of all kinds — from wildlife and landscapes to meaningful objects, special places, and personal moments. If you have an idea in mind, or something you'd love to see brought to life in pencil, charcoal, watercolour or acrylic, just get in touch. I’m always happy to chat about bespoke commissions — even the unusual ones (especially the unusual ones!).

So what ever you are looking for dont worry about dropping me a message

Emma x