About JD Emmerson Art
Empty walls and lifeless collections often fail to reflect true identity, success, or culture. Many pieces look impressive at first but lack story, depth, and lasting impact. At JD Emmerson Art, I create artwork that carries meaning, history, and emotion—pieces that command attention and stay with you.
I present award-winning work centered on powerful celebrity portraits and imaginative creations. Each piece invites collectors into a rare visual world shaped by decades of discipline, skill, and real-life experience.
A Natural Talent Shaped from An Early Age
I grew up in a country home surrounded by cornfields in Iowa. By the age of nine, I was already creating realistic graphite portraits with a strong focus on rock and roll icons.
I am self-taught at heart. I experimented constantly, pushed my limits, and spent long nights refining my craft. That early drive led to national competition wins starting in fifth grade and built the technical foundation for my career.
A Defining Moment of Excellence
At age 19, I won a gold medal in the USA Skill Olympics for advanced airbrushing. President Ronald Reagan presented the award, shook my hand, and shared a message that changed my life. He asked me to commit to excellence in everything I do. I made that promise, and I have honored it every day since.
A Breakthrough in Hollywood
I arrived in Hollywood with just $27 and secured a position in a leading video production company within 24 hours. Multi-Grammy award winner Wayne Isham hired me within seconds of my interview. That moment became my breakthrough and continues to shape my work nearly four decades later.
Working with Legends and Global Influence
I had the opportunity to work directly with legendary names such as Michael Jackson, KISS, Sammy Hagar, Mötley Crüe, Ozzy Osbourne, Bon Jovi, Judas Priest, Sade, Dick Clark, and James Doohan.
I built a strong reputation, achieved financial success, and traveled to Asia regularly. These experiences had a lasting impact on my artistic vision and creative approach.
A 32-Year Career in Commercial Art
As an art director in Hollywood for over 32 years, I created more than 2,400 visual works. These include album covers, CDs, DVDs, and VHS packaging, movie posters, retail displays, and large-scale advertising campaigns.
I worked across the film, music, and food industries, gaining a wide range of creative experience. This shaped my ability to create work that connects with people while maintaining a clear and strong identity.
A New Chapter in Oklahoma
I am now building a new studio and gallery in Oklahoma, opening a new chapter filled with opportunity. I am working with leaders of the Cherokee Nation and the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel in Tulsa.
My graphite portrait of Eric Clapton was acquired for permanent display in an exhibit celebrating the Tulsa Sound, a music style shaped by artists like Eric Clapton and Leon Russell. This milestone reflects both recognition and continued growth.
The Chrome Series: A New Level of Craftsmanship
The Chrome Series represents a major step forward in my work. In this collection, I combine fine art with real elements, including musical instruments, gear, 24k gold, precious gems, and exotic wood.
Leon Russell is the first portrait in this series. Each piece is designed to go beyond traditional art and offer something rare, bold, and highly collectible.
Street-Pop!: A Bold And Immersive Experience
Street-Pop! is a new series that brings energy and innovation to portrait art. Each piece measures 4’x5’ and is created on clear acrylic.
The portrait floats above a painted background, creating depth, shadow, and movement. This draws viewers closer and invites them to study every detail. The first piece features Jimi Hendrix, with upcoming works including Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, John Lennon, and Johnny Cash. This series offers a fresh direction with strong potential for collectors.
Education and Professional Affiliations
I hold:
I am also a member of:
These affiliations reflect my commitment to growth and excellence.
Exhibits and Permanent Installations
My work has been featured in solo and group exhibits across California and Oklahoma, including:
Recognized by a Leading Art Dealer
International art dealer Jim Tulip describes my work as part of a strong tradition of American portrait artists while remaining original and deeply expressive. He highlights my ability to reveal new depth in well-known figures and notes the strong technical skill behind each piece. He also recognizes the emotional connection and visual rhythm that give my work its unique energy.
Driven by Purpose and Passion
“Live to create, create to live” defines how I approach my work. This mindset keeps me focused on creating art that is honest, powerful, and meaningful. I continue to push boundaries while staying true to my craft.
Invest in Art That Holds Meaning and Legacy
Bring home artwork that carries history, culture, and emotion. Build a collection that reflects your identity and holds long-term value through pieces designed to stand apart. Contact me today for more details.