"When we let go of who we think we are is when we are truly free "- Claire-Erica
Claire-Erica (1971) is a self-taught contemporary realist painter living and working in Matakana New Zealand.
Born to English parents and growing up in South Africa, she has developed a life long commitment to wild life, landscapes and native studies. The daughter of a professional British Photographer and her mother a potter, sister an accomplished artist. Claire paints intuitively and at times doesn't know where it comes from, somewhere within.
This award winning artist is easily recognised for her attention to detail and unmistaken painting style. Mixing traditional painting techniques with her own unmistakable contemporary style.
Her personal photographic observations of the natural environment, she draws ongoing inspiration and enthusiasm to capture the detail and essence of the wild birds of New Zealand.
Claire-Erica's diversity of mediums encompassing a wide variety with attention to being environmentally aware and the longevity of the pieces. The use of archival cotton canvas is specifically prepared for the fine detailed brush strokes. Hahnemuhle and Fabriano archival papers are selected for their smooth surface and texture.
Her recognition in private collections is complimented with commercial large paintings and murals in public centres across the Auckland region establishing herself as a successful Artist in New Zealand.
Represented by a number of galleries throughout New Zealand Claire-Erica continues to push the boundaries in each collection of works; this commitment sees many clients return to her work.
If you would like to view her private gallery please contact us, by appointment only.
Born to English parents and growing up in South Africa, she has developed a life long commitment to wild life, landscapes and native studies. The daughter of a professional British Photographer and her mother a potter, sister an accomplished artist. Claire paints intuitively and at times doesn't know where it comes from, somewhere within.
This award winning artist is easily recognised for her attention to detail and unmistaken painting style. Mixing traditional painting techniques with her own unmistakable contemporary style.
Her personal photographic observations of the natural environment, she draws ongoing inspiration and enthusiasm to capture the detail and essence of the wild birds of New Zealand.
Claire-Erica's diversity of mediums encompassing a wide variety with attention to being environmentally aware and the longevity of the pieces. The use of archival cotton canvas is specifically prepared for the fine detailed brush strokes. Hahnemuhle and Fabriano archival papers are selected for their smooth surface and texture.
Her recognition in private collections is complimented with commercial large paintings and murals in public centres across the Auckland region establishing herself as a successful Artist in New Zealand.
Represented by a number of galleries throughout New Zealand Claire-Erica continues to push the boundaries in each collection of works; this commitment sees many clients return to her work.
If you would like to view her private gallery please contact us, by appointment only.
"Growing up with my father as a British photographer, my mother as a hairdresser, potter and painter and my sister, an accomplished artist in her own right has been incredible, they are a lot of my inspiration" - Claire-Erica
Claire followed her paths as a Ballroom and Latin Dance Teacher and pursed other opportunities in design for a time until the call for her to paint left her yearning to draw and paint.
Her first love has always been the humble stick of graphite as she took to pencil drawing as a young child. She has been drawing with graphite since, the love affair never ends.
Developing her style has seen her pencils drawings and paintings merge together into a style uniquely hers. It has created an interest in the art world and sees many collectors and gallery curators acquiring her work.
"Its just so different to anything else, I love her work"- Charles Worthington
Her first love has always been the humble stick of graphite as she took to pencil drawing as a young child. She has been drawing with graphite since, the love affair never ends.
Developing her style has seen her pencils drawings and paintings merge together into a style uniquely hers. It has created an interest in the art world and sees many collectors and gallery curators acquiring her work.
"Its just so different to anything else, I love her work"- Charles Worthington
For the love of drawing
Each piece of art has its own unique intuitive selection of medium and subject to which a piece is created.
The Wise Man painted in 2001 is Claire's celebration of her father's life.
A British Photographer and great role model, before he died when Claire was very young.
Growing up surrounded by the wideness of Southern Africa, the love of animals spent much time in the wild African bush.
Portraits of interesting faces has been an inspiration for Claire with her interest and appreciation is different cultures.
This painting is in a private collection.
A British Photographer and great role model, before he died when Claire was very young.
Growing up surrounded by the wideness of Southern Africa, the love of animals spent much time in the wild African bush.
Portraits of interesting faces has been an inspiration for Claire with her interest and appreciation is different cultures.
This painting is in a private collection.
Publication The Junction Magazine Matakana