When my mum passed away, I wanted a reminder of the fun times that we had walking in Yorkshire. 

I have long been a fan of Claire’s George and Daphne artwork and felt that there was an opportunity for a truly individual memento so approached Claire for a commission.

I spoke Claire to see how I could request a work commissioning. After a few conversations, Claire helped shape the idea into something that she could work with. 

I was soon provided with a sketch of the idea so that I could confirm that it was a good interpretation of what I was looking for. Because this was a bespoke request, I had to be patient to wait for the completed work. When I saw the art, I was blown away as it more than matched the brief. I can spend time looking at the picture, reminiscing with the permanent reminder my piece of art brings. Priceless to me.

From start to finish the engagement was friendly. It may seem like a big step into the unknown and investment, with Claire’s support, the outcome far exceeded what I had hoped for Thanks Claire!

From, Peter Annear

"I and some of my friends have reached a significant birthday this year.  We walk together and completed St. Cuthbert's Way last year.  I asked Claire to capture us approaching the end, with the iconic Lindisfarne Castle in the background and asked for prints to be made for me to gift for the ladies' birthdays during this year.

The result is beyond my expectations, absolutely fantastic and Claire has captured us perfectly.  I have already gifted one of the prints and the recipient was over the moon. She told me that everyone who has seen it loves it.  I am now thinking of my next commission."

From, Elizabeth Connall

I had the privilege of commissioning a bespoke painting from Clare, for a fiftieth birthday gift for my husband. 

The entire process was a pleasure. I provided Clare with a few photographs of my daughters and dog, and suggested a location for the painting. Clare was patient, warm, and extremely considerate in suggesting scenes right down to the layout and choice of frame. 

She took me on the stunning journey from preliminary sketch right through to the completed picture. That said, I wasn’t prepared for the final piece. 

Clare somehow managed to capture the character of my children so completely, and the painting is frankly breath taking. I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to own such a stunning work of art, for an incredibly competitive price. 

Clare is not just a superb artist with a distinct and unique style – she’s a warm, kind and lovely person who made the nerve-wracking process fun and ultimately resulting in art my family will treasure for generations. Thank you so much for giving us this gift.

From, Jen Syrkiewicz

Claire has been a delight to work with, from first approaching her with an "idea". It was the first time I had considered commissioning a painting and Claire was so patient with my queries, helping with various sketches and keeping me informed throughout the whole process, delivering on time and budget (surprise birthday present for a family member).  

Overall though, she captured the image I wanted in painting form better than I could have hoped or imagined- so much so, the recipient was close to tears when they received it.  It shall be treasured.  Thanks Claire!

From, Alison Dunn

Claire took the time to get to understand the style of painting I wanted. She suggested I consider local scenes that meant something to me and to send pictures of this and the people in the painting. 

She then worked up sketches of different pictures, we loved a particular sketch so we commissioned Claire to paint it.   As I needed the painting for an anniversary she worked hard to complete on time, providing us with updates as the painting developed.  

The completed work exceeded my expectations, capturing the scene perfectly.  Thank you, a cherished painting, I would have no reservation recommending Claire.

From, Kris Simpson

We'd often seen Claire's work in various galleries and were delighted to meet Claire in the Pateley Bridge gallery.  

Claire patiently talked us through the process of commissioning a piece with her and her warmth, understanding and ability to put us at ease confirmed our wish to progress with the painting.  We were able to send through photos, share thoughts and ideas with Claire who provided us with a number of sketches until we were able to see the picture we had in our minds and had hoped for all along.  Claire even made a small adjustment to the final piece when we fed back to her of our wish for a minor change.  Again her warmth and determination to get things just so were wonderful and we are so grateful to Claire for everything she has done, including arranging the framing.

On our wall we now have a piece of art that makes us both smile and family and friends all agree it is just perfect.  Without Claire's patience, warmth and willingness to listen we would never have had the courage to take this forward so thank you Claire for providing us with a picture we will treasure for years to come.

From, Janette Tuly

I contacted Claire after my husband and I received a wedding gift from our friend of a couple dancing that had been done by Claire. I instantly fell in love with it and felt it told a beautiful story. 

I contacted Claire to see if she could paint me a picture from pictures from our honeymoon as a first year anniversary present for my husband.

She was delighted to help and kept me up to date with sketches, ideas and questions on other significant things she could put in the picture. 

I remember my excitement the day it came and how overwhelmed I was when I saw it. She had truly captured us perfectly and again told a story even though she had never met either of us.  

My husband was truly touched with the gift and now we have a one of a kind reminder of a most special time for us.

I would not hesitate using Claire again and I have told friends the same.

From, Gemma Wright

After seeing Claire’s lively and expressive work at an exhibition in Skipton, my wife and I commissioned two paintings featuring my four grandchildren in one and my son and his two children in the other. The whole experience was a pleasure and could not have been easier - she discussed our requirements and produced a pencil drawing prior to undertaking the actual painting. 

We were delighted with the results and both paintings have received many compliments from our friends and relatives - not the least the grandchildren.

From, Pat Doherty

We love Claire’s artistic style and, having never considered or done anything like this before, we vaguely toyed with the idea of requesting a commission. 

After speaking to Claire one day in her gallery, we joined the waiting list. A few months later, she made contact to let us know we were near the top of the list and gave helpful information and suggestions of what we needed to think about regarding how we wanted our painting to look. 

Via email, we drip fed Claire our ideas and a few photos. Once she started, she emailed her initial sketches for us to approve or redirect her if something didn’t look quite as we wanted it to. We felt confident throughout the process in Claire’s capable hands and are very pleased with the outcome.

From, Clair MacArthur