About Me

Claire Baxter Fine Art began in 2008 when I was struggling to secure a teaching post. I had just qualified as a secondary school art teacher but times were tough with the financial recession fully in its grip so I had to think outside of the box. I began painting for family and friends which soon led to me selling my work in the local park, Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, hanging my pieces off railings and on benches with The White Rose Artists. Not overly easy whist being pregnant at the same time. Over time, I managed to get a teaching position in a secondary school outside Castleford and I started to book some fairs such as The Harrogate Flower Show, Living North in York, The Great Yorkshire Show and joined organisations such as Made in Yorkshire and built up relationships with other Yorkshire Galleries and started to create a following and fan base.

In 2019 I opened my Gallery on the High Street in Pateley Bridge in the heart of Nidderdale. achieving huge success selling locally, nationally and overseas. We relocated to a stunning space in Ilkley which lends itself perfectly for a flagship Claire Baxter Gallery. The Gallery not only home to my work, but we also sell other fantastic work by Yorkshire artists including glass, ceramics, wood and felt.

About Me Claire

We exhibit and sell my originals, limited edition prints and fine art cards in galleries, exhibitions and fairs, online and currently have a two year waiting list for private commissions. My quirky collection of “George and Daphne” has helped spread my name throughout the UK with Artko publishing company. I was also the Official Artist for Tour de Yorkshire 2020 and was a finalist for the UK’s Most Popular Published Artist Award 2022 with the Fine Art Trade Guild.

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. 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, The United States and Japan.