Hi, I’m Claire, a full-time artist living and working in a cosy little village in Yorkshire, UK. Art and the natural world have been my greatest loves for as long as I can remember, and I’ve been lucky enough to spend over 20 years blending the two into what I call "the best job in the world".
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It all started back in the 90s when I began drawing commissioned pet portraits in graphite. Then in 2002, I discovered the magic of coloured pencils, and that’s when everything really clicked for me. Over the years, I’ve poured my heart into honing my skills and growing my art business. After more than two decades as an artist, I’m now in my forties and feel more settled in my work than ever.
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The natural world is my biggest inspiration, particularly birds. That love runs through all of my work - from wildlife and botanicals to wider landscapes.
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A few years ago, I added acrylics into my practice and it changed more than just how I work. It became an important turning point for me, creatively and personally.
From as far back as I can remember, I dreamed of becoming an artist (I was 13 when I made a promise to myself). That dream has been a constant, guiding force in my life. With a clear vision and a lot of determination, I worked through my early adulthood and focused on turning that dream into reality.
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"Being an artist isn’t just what I do - it’s who I am. It’s always been my purpose to create beautiful art and share it with the world, a calling I’ve felt deep in my heart from the very beginning."
My original work and limited edition prints have found homes with collectors all around the world, something I’m truly grateful for. Nature is my biggest source of inspiration - it’s where my heart feels most at peace. I pour my emotions and soul into every piece I create, always hoping it resonates deeply with anyone who views it. My goal is to connect, inspire, and bring a little more beauty into the world through my art.
“Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated. Thus, everyone's task is unique as is his specific opportunity to implement it.”
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― Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning
I specialise in creating intricate, highly detailed pieces that capture the soul and essence of each animal I draw. My focus is entirely on my wildlife and nature collection, a passion that has only deepened over time.
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In 2019, I took a leap and began teaching art classes -one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. There’s nothing quite like seeing my students grow and celebrate their achievements. Now, I’m lucky to share my techniques with a wonderful and diverse community of learners from all around the world. It’s an absolute joy to be part of their art journeys!
“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray”
― Rumi
​EXHIBITIONS, PUBLICATIONS & RECOGNITION
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2016: Exhibited at the National Exhibition of Wildlife Art.
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2018: Featured as the cover artist for the February edition of Colored Pencil Magazine.
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2019: Featured in Ann Kullberg's DRAW: Wildlife book, published internationally.
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2020: My drawing of a sleeping Koala raised over $6,350 for the Australian Bushfire Appeal, with the Limited Edition Prints selling out in less than two hours.
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2020: Tim of Amboseli was shortlisted for the DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London.
I’m passionate about wildlife conservation and love using my artwork to support causes close to my heart. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to amazing charities like WWF, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Wildlife Victoria, RSPB, and the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. It’s incredibly rewarding to know my art can help make a difference for the animals and environments that inspire me every day.
