Meet our newest artist Clare Purser! Clare is a landscape painter based in Brisbane, on the shores of Moreton Bay. She works predominantly in the medium of oil painting with mixed media on canvas, board and sometimes paper. Clare loves plein-air painting, fuelled with inspiration from the stunning locations around Brisbane’s bayside. “I find painting outside and being in the landscape an inspiring time to look and absorb deeply.”
She is interested in creating paintings that are evocative, intuitive and express an emotive reaction to the landscape. “I like to follow the direction the painting takes, taking advantage of the pliable nature of oil paint and the many ways it can be manipulated.”
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Her favourite places to visit and paint reach near and far from her local area all the way to her home country New Zealand. Some of these locations include the lush hinterland and mountains of South East Queensland; the Scenic Rim Region, the Glass House Mountains, the beautiful islands in Moreton Bay; Minjerribah Stradbroke Island and Mulgulpin Moreton Island.
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Clare plain-air painting
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-The life and wellbeing of these landscapes have become central to Clare’s work; “The degradation of our coastal environment has been an ongoing concern of my work.” Her art also richly explores the relationship we have with nature. “I'm drawn to the landscape, our relationship to the natural world and a deep appreciation for the beauty and fragility of our environment.”
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Clare's sketchbooks
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Clare was born in New Zealand in 1971. Her early years were spent across New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Australia. “Growing up in New Zealand, I was in and still am in awe of the raw and direct landscapes of Colin McCahon and Toss Woollaston. I also love the abstract landscapes of Australian Artists like Elizabeth Cummings and Ian Fairweather." In 1996 she completed an Honours degree in Visual Art from the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University and she has since gone on to achieve many accolades for her art.
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Small scale artworks
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Clare’s creative process involves making and using photographs, notes and sketches for inspiration and references. “I guess when I'm back in the studio working with oil is the time when ideas develop, so for me plain-air painting and studio work go hand in hand and inform each other.” She has developed her skill though having a consistent art practice and has been a full-time artist for the past seven years.
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Left: CLARE PURSER - 'KULGUN III' Right: CLARE PURSER - 'KULGUN IV'
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We are so excited to share Clare’s expressive and emotive artwork with you. Treat yourself by taking a moment to take in these beautiful artworks.
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You can view all of Clare’s art HERE and as always, we welcome you to come in anytime to experience the art in person.