Emilia Linderholm grew up in a family of artists in Vaxholm. Her mother, Lena Linderholm, is one of Sweden's most famous female artists. Her father, Gösta Linderholm, was a popular folk singer, poet and musician.

One day, the opera director Thomas Jahnke moved into a neighboring house. He and his friends sang and played the piano in the garden. Emilia felt that this was where she belonged and fell in love with the opera environment. Emilia's breakthrough as a painter came in her 20s. Lena Linderholm had an exhibition, Emilia contributed some works in the Skagen style that were much appreciated. The shift from opera to painting came a few years later in New York with the realization that "There are lots of talented opera singers who can portray a perfect Carmen. But only one who can portray and create with my expression in painting and form."

Emilia's painting is strongly influenced by the performing arts and opera. This gives a distinctive expression and perspective when she lets the women in her subjects act and portray the different roles and emotions of life.