Introducing Chasing Blue, Emma Carr’s newest body of work!
In Chasing Blue, Emma Carr invites viewers into the quiet, fleeting moments of transition—the spaces between seasons, movement, and light. This new acrylic collection is inspired by the oakleaf hydrangeas in her own backyard, a subject she never initially planned to paint, yet one that slowly revealed itself through observation and time.
As fall shifted into winter, Emma became captivated by the hydrangeas as they dried and transformed. Rather than focusing on peak bloom, she was drawn to their in-between stage, where subtle changes in form, texture, and color offered endless visual interest. These overlooked moments became the foundation of the collection, sparking a deeper exploration of shape and detail that continues the trajectory of her previous work.
Color plays a central role throughout Chasing Blue. While remaining true to her core palette, Emma pushed herself to experiment with new combinations and deeper, richer tones. Inspired by reference images and intuitive play, she layered color extensively—sometimes covering and rebuilding sections repeatedly—until each piece felt intentional and alive. This process of layering is essential to her practice, creating depth and energy that pull the viewer inward.
The collection’s goal is simple yet profound: to capture what is easy to miss. The compositions echo pattern and repetition, encouraging close looking, while hidden hummingbirds appear almost as discoveries rather than focal points. These small figures in flight reinforce the idea of fleeting beauty—moments that exist briefly before passing.
The title Chasing Blue comes from a subtle but powerful observation. As light filters through shaded leaves, Emma noticed hints of blue emerging—an unexpected color that became essential to the work. That blue, delicate yet decisive, can make or break a piece. Beyond color, the title also speaks to the hummingbirds themselves, suspended mid-air, always in motion, quite literally “chasing the blue.”
If the collection had a soundtrack, Emma imagines it would be Folklore by Taylor Swift—an album that mirrors the work’s reflective, layered, and quietly emotive nature.
With Chasing Blue, Emma Carr offers a body of work that celebrates transition, attention, and the beauty found in subtlety. These paintings are not just about what is seen, but about slowing down enough to notice it!
Explore the full collection.