About me
Since dedicating herself to developing her art in 2021, Clare has experienced a meteoric rise in the wildlife art world. She has been a finalist in several prestigious competitions, including The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation's Wildlife Artist of the Year.
Clare has developed a free-flowing style allowing watercolour paint to find its own way on the paper, and sometimes by blowing it. She often feels there is a spiritual force guiding the paint too and in many instances, she does not know what the picture will be.
I enjoy the freedom that this method brings. If I am having an 'art block', this method can help get the flow back. Once the paint is dry, pictures are drawn using coloured pencils, with the eyes being the main focal point - that's because the eyes are the windows to the soul.
Clare continues to develop her style, getting inspiration from fellow wildlife artists including Emily Lamb but also abstract artists such as John Piper, Christopher Wool, and Joan Mitchell.
She wants the paint to connect and flow on the paper or canvas. The links created through the paint, are symbolic of life on earth; we are all connected.
Sadly humans cannot always see this. All too often, in our need for material goods at low prices, it means that our environment and wildlife suffer. However one cannot live without the other. My artwork aims to shine a light on this, in a thought-provoking, but creative way.
Clare is instinctively drawn to injustice and wants to provide a voice for the underdog. She feels that her need for natural balance in life comes from her Libran scales. Clare was also influenced by the 'shock' adverts of the 1980s and 90s, particularly by Oliviero Toscani for Benetton. The hard-hitting images conveyed a memorable message and she wants her art to be thought-provoking.
Humankind's needs have tipped to excess. My background was originally in fast-moving consumer goods marketing; I was part of the problem. I have seen first-hand the inertia of corporations. The need to make the buck comes at a price, and often the consumers and the environment pay that price. We only have to see the destruction of rainforests for palm oil plantations and how corporations often turn a blind eye to the unregulated and unsustainable palm oil supply chain, to keep costs down. Rainforest destruction is not only impacting our climate, but we are seeing significant reductions in wildlife; we need them.
Clare also spotlights mankind's conflict with wildlife, particularly topics such as poaching and the illegal pet trade. Below is 'The Wrong Dog Collar' which features an African Wild Dog which has been snared; sadly this is common in the wild and the dogs die in a prolonged and painful death. Snares are used in the hunting of wild bush-meat and are indiscriminate what they catch.
'The Wrong Dog Collar' African Wild Dog caught in a snare
However it is not always about mankind's negative impact; predators cannot survive without their prey. Exploring this interaction as well as the behaviours of wildlife can remind the viewer that the adorable eyes of a wolf or lion has it's more sinister side.
Being able to donate to wildlife charities is one of THE reasons why I do this. If I can help in any way, my job is done on this earth.
Clare donates artwork or a proportion of the selling price to a number of charities including Orangutan Veterinary Aid, Forensic Response UK, Explorers Against Extinction and Davide Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.
Clare with 'Burnt Out' which was a finalist for the DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year, 2023
Art competitions and exhibitions:
- Sketch for Survival Finalist 2024 - 'Holding On'.
- DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year 2024 - 'Lucky to be Alive'
- The Gallery, Holt UK. 'Animal Language' exhibition.
- DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year 2023 - 'Burnt Out'
- Artists for Painted Dogs Finalist 2022 - 'Meerkat and Martial Eagle'
- Sketch for Survival 2022 Highly Commended - 'Cheetah Love'
- Artists for Painted Dogs Finalist 2021 - 'Pangolin'