It might seem odd to some people that a finance profile also has an artistic side. It’s not exactly common to picture someone spending most of their workday buried in numbers and Excel spreadsheets, only to close the laptop and pick up a paintbrush. But, strange as it may seem, for Emma Gomara from PNO Spain, that’s been daily life for many years now. We asked Emma to take us through her development into a professional artist.
“I’ve always found
it amusing when someone is convinced
they recognize a friend”
“This whole adventure started in my hometown, Zaragoza, Spain, where I took art classes. The teacher gave total creative freedom encouraging each of us to explore whatever projects we had bubbling up in our heads. It was a space where ideas flowed without judgement, and he didn’t just provide technical advice, though: he also built a community that, even today, remains active and very much in touch.”
“After a holiday in Indonesia, where I snorkeled around some idyllic islands, I felt the urge to capture the underwater scenes I’d seen on canvas. The ocean-themed paintings were well received, leading to my first exhibition, and then another, and gradually painting shifted from a hobby to something bigger, something that demanded more of my time and attention.”
“While it has certainly evolved from a casual pastime to something more serious, painting never feels like an obligation or a task. I’ve always enjoyed it.”
“I’d say I have two main lines of work: one that’s inspired by the great experiences I’ve had diving, and the other by observing people in different cities, countries, and cultures as I travel. I always have my phone at the ready to snap a photo if someone catches my eye — whether it’s their outfit, the way they walk, or their features. I’m not as interested in the city itself as I am in the character. That’s why, in most of my paintings, the backgrounds are white or blurry, almost irrelevant.”
“And I never fully define the faces. This way, more people can see a bit of themselves in my work. I’ve always found it amusing when someone is convinced they recognize a friend, or even themselves, in one of my pieces, when in reality, the original photo was taken in a completely different place, thousands of miles away.”
“It’s about enjoying the journey”
“It’s equally amusing to hear people’s interpretations of my work. I’ve heard the strangest, most far-fetched stories about what one of my paintings supposedly symbolizes, when in reality I maybe was simply drawn to the way the sunlight hit a white shirt. There’s something so intriguing about the way a single image can evoke such different emotions and ideas depending on who’s looking at it. But for me, the real magic lies in the process. Life moves fast, and so does work, so I try to make painting a slower, more serene experience. It’s not about producing as much as possible, rushing to finish, but about enjoying the journey.”
“I focus on enjoying every step, and that’s why I constantly challenge myself. I’m always looking for new techniques, different materials, and ways to push the boundaries of what I can do. Some experiments are more successful than others, but that’s all part of the fun.
Recently, I’ve found myself drawn more and more to digital painting. I’ve also started exploring animation, which has been a real challenge. Some of my more traditional artist friends say jokingly that I’ve crossed over to the dark side.”
It’s a lot to juggle
“Speaking of new technologies, artificial intelligence has become a huge topic of conversation in the art world, and understandably, many artists feel threatened. But personally, I think it’s a powerful tool that we should integrate into our process, just like we’ve done with so many other aspects of life. AI can be incredibly useful, particularly for those tasks that aren’t as creative—these days, artists need to know how to create content, keep their websites up to date, record videos for social media, and more. It’s a lot to juggle!”
“Still, for me, the core of it all is the creative process itself. That’s what I always return to, and it’s what allows me to escape from the noise of the world, from the endless news cycle and the pressures of everyday life. When I pick up a paintbrush, I stop looking at the clock. Time flows at its own pace, and I just immerse myself in the act of creating.
But of course, it’s not all about painting! Art, for me, is so much more than just transferring an image from my mind to the canvas. It’s about connecting with others, collaborating with fellow artists, and being a part of something bigger. I love discussing new projects for hours with my painter friends, often over a glass of wine.”
“That exchange of ideas, the camaraderie, and the shared passion is what truly makes this whole journey special..”
Are you as delighted with Emma’s creations as we are? Then visit her Instagram account for more beautiful art pieces.
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