Claire Harkess RSW

Claire studied from 1988-93 at Glasgow School of Art, graduating with a BA (Hons) Fine Art (Environmental Art). This involved site specific work, emphasising on public art, art in the community and installation work. Studies included drawing & painting, photography, film & video, casting, wood, metal and glasswork. In 1991 she spent some time in the Student Exchange Program studying Drawing & Painting at University of Ulster, Belfast. She won 1st Prize in the Arches Winter Painting Competition (wildlife) in 1996. Claire was also awarded the Windsor & Newton prize at the RSW's annual exhibition in Edinburgh.

"Painting in watercolour offers a unique directness. The essential qualities of light and energy ever present in the natural world are the very essence of the medium itself. In search of a simplicity and beauty through the painting of a line, shape, colour, the process is immediate and instinctive. Remaining true to both medium and subject, with every brush mark visible, I strive to allow the paint the freedom to speak for itself thus creating a dialogue between myself, the viewer and the ever evolving work.Concentrating on the natural world, wildlife is a dominant theme. To keep the subject alive, the necessity for speed and directness has drawn me to watercolour as my preferred medium. The process is immediate and instinctive, offering a mirror to this intuitive world. Every brush stroke visible, I strive to allow the paint the freedom to speak for itself thus creating a dialog between myself and the ever evolving work."