  
……for those who appreciate honesty, fun and can laugh at themselves……
About me......
I can't remember a time when I wasn't being creative. As a child I was always happy with either a jigsaw or a packet of crayons and a colouring-in book.
Throughout school, I enjoyed art with success therefore it seemed a natural progression to pursue my talent and interest from GCSE onto A’ Level. I undertook a BTEC Foundation course in art and design at Harrogate College where I was encouraged to experiment in painting, printmaking, photography and fashion design. At this time, my passion for painting and drawing floundered and my interest in fashion emerged. I completed my BA Hons Degree in Fashion Design at Salford University in 2001.
Having moved to Harrogate from Knaresborough and spending 4 unfulfilled years in retail management, I embarked upon a total career change and qualified as a Teacher of Art in 2007 teaching 11-18 year olds. I have been privileged to work alongside talented art teachers and students alike, a constant source for inspiration and to learn new techniques. I left teaching in May 2014 to pursue my art career.
Alongside bringing up my young family, I currently work as an artist where I live in Harrogate. Working predominantly in oil, I paint mainly figurative landscapes and frequently work on privately commissioned pieces. Please see 'commission a painting'.
My inspiration..... I paint places I know, places
I love, have memories of and connections with, predominantly in and around
North Yorkshire. I like to bring reality to these settings through observing
relationships and everyday situations and being true to life. My work is aimed
at those people who can laugh at themselves, those who can recognise
themselves in the paintings, or someone else close to their heart.
I take many location
photographs, edit them on Photoshop and then sketch my figures and develop a
tale for the characters. Influences such as Jack Vettriano and Beryl Cook
have encouraged me to be true to myself and paint what I enjoy and what
makes me smile. I love to use colour in my work as it enhances the fun element
to my paintings. I rarely reveal the characters faces as it encourages
anonymity and allows the viewer to narrate the picture and make it personal to
them!.
Collectors have bought my
work locally, nationally and overseas, reaching as far as New Zealand. I have
worked with many galleries and currently work closely with Whitby Galleries, Art in the Mill in Knaresborough and The Coastal Gallery in
Northallerton. I have also exhibited at Ripley Castle, Living North - York,
The Great Yorkshire Show, Country Living Show, Art in the Pen in Skipton and The
Edinburgh Arts Fair and The Glasgow Arts Fair.
All paintings and images are the property of Claire Baxter Fine Art and therefore all rights are reserved. ©
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