‘Pure Spirit,’ a hyper-realistic colored pencil drawing of an owl by artist Emilia Van Ert. Created with Faber-Castell colored pencils on Legion Stonehenge paper, this detailed artwork captures the owl’s piercing gaze, intricate feather patterns, and wild, free spirit. The piece showcases Van Ert’s mastery of fine detail and layered colors, bringing the majestic bird to life. Known for her realistic nature and portrait drawings, the artist blends precision with artistic expression in this stunning wildlife illustration.

 

Emilia Van Ert

Pure Spirit (2024)

Colored pencil on artist paper

 

I created this owl with faber castell colored pencil on legion Stonehenge paper. Switching up the different mediums I work with is challenging and exciting to me. I have more control with drawing and I loved layering the different colors of pencils. Owls are beautiful, wild and free! It was a new subject for me and a fun drawing to work on! 

Emilia Van Ert is a prolific artist working with oil paintings, pencil drawings, and fine art photography. She began working with photography and photoshop to manipulate her chosen imagery, but has now turned to hyper-realism through painting and drawing. She enjoys the challenge of fine detail work in portraits and nature, recently focusing on endless varieties of flower blossoms.

Emilia grew up in a small town in south central South Dakota, and now lives and works in Sioux Falls. She received her Bachelor degree in art from Augustana University, and was recently nominated for the Individual Excellence Award in the Arts given out by the Sioux Falls Arts Council.