Emily Croteau
Emily Croteau was raised in Coastal New England. She now works out of her studio in Brooklyn, NY, creating an eclectic and constantly evolving body of work. Her inspiration for coastal nature has merged with cosmopolitan influence to create her vibrant oil paintings, encapsulating timeless and natural beauty. With influences such as George Bellows and Joaquin Sorolla, Emily experiments with her subject matter while practicing traditional and personal techniques. From waves to mountainscapes to organic shapes of the human body, Emily brings nature and all of its charm to life with vivid and authentic detail. The coexistence of masculinity and femininity is often depicted and woven throughout her collections. Emily merges contrasting visuals, revealing masculine and feminine styles that harmonically exist as they can in the physical world. Her work, style, and aesthetic have built a strong name for Emily in the NYC art scene, while her growing collection of paintings is appreciated and sought after by many.
Collect Bean: Tell us about a time when you felt you found your groove as an artist.
Emily Croteau: When I moved to New York City in 2023 from Portsmouth, NH, I found myself more excited to experiment and push myself than ever before. My artwork is heavily influenced by my physical surroundings; the creative energy of the city has been easy to build off of. Both in an ambitious, kinetic sense and in terms of vibrant and refreshing visual experiences, I truly think there is no better place to have constant inspiration displayed in every direction. Lately, I’ve been loving playing with texture, something I’d never felt confident enough to try previously. I’ve felt less intimidated to work out of the box here and be more authentic to my personal style and inspirations.
Collect Bean: What does an ideal day in your studio look like?
Emily Croteau: My ideal day in my studio would be arriving at a perfectly cleaned studio—a bonus if Yesterday-Me actually washed my dirty brushes the day before. It would also include fresh flowers, a stimulating podcast or background show, and a great cup of coffee. It’s an extra special day if I’m starting a new painting on a fresh blank canvas and the weather is gloomy, so I don’t have the guild of not being outdoors.
Collect Bean: Are there any artists or movements that have inspired or influenced your work?
Emily Croteau: Recently, I have found myself inspired by the old masters of the Baroque period. Their work has a heavily emotional and somber tone despite dynamic, detailed scenes laced with vivid stories. I find this complexity of work to be extremely beautiful and inspiring.
Collect Bean: Do you have a saying that you live by?
Emily Croteau: The more you give, the more you shall receive. I am a firm believer that what goes around comes back around. As cliche as it sounds, I try my best to give back, be generous, and spread positivity. Life is never in linear motion; I view it through more of a circular flow. Without expecting, one shall receive.
Collect Bean: What role does color play in your practice?
Emily Croteau: Color presented a significant hurdle in my artistic journey for some time. I would not consider myself drawn to inherently vibrant things, gravitating towards black or muted attire, and so forth. I ignored that part about me early on in my career and discovered a breakthrough within my work when I acknowledged my color palette preference. This shift enabled me to feel a stronger bond with my creations as I sought to have my art mirror my identity.
