Rapture in Blue | 48×60 | Claire J Kendrick available through Plum Gallery, St Augustine

“It is my practice to always work with reference. I like to buy fresh flowers and set up the arrangement and start with a strong composition. This is always my foundation. As I begin painting, each brush stroke has to say something. Putting down a mark and deciding to keep or remove, I try to ask myself if this mark adds something to the painting. The results are dynamic, energetic forms–they show the energy you put into the painting. The still life floral paintings have a life and vitality.”

Pushing boundaries, Claire takes the paintings outdoors and uses a blow torch to melt wax mixed with oil paint, giving a free-flow effect which she then decides to manipulate or leave. This is a process of constant editing, painting, taking away then reapplying paint or wax, building the image slowly in layers.

“You should paint as you live life; expression should be in your work. See the things of beauty you enjoy and fill your life with that energy.”

Plum Gallery, Aviles Street, St Augustine

Phone: +1.904.825.0069

E-mail: karensheridangallery@hotmail.com

www.plumgallery.com