Claire R Eastgate was born in the United Kingdom in 1968. She studied art at Shrewsbury College, Birmingham School of Art, The Slade School of Art, London, and private tuition. Earlier studies centred around the human figure - life drawing and sculpture. Claire began painting portraits in the nineties, eventually specialising in dog portraiture after exhibiting her work in the United States and working successfully as a commission artist for a gallery in the U.S. Subsequently, her work has become increasingly recognised as has the demand for her beautiful portraits both nationally and internationally.
Claire takes a more traditional approach to her work. Her painting methods take time and preparation - 'building' the oil painting in layers, giving her work a classical and opulent feel.
She carefully creates the composition , in some cases working closely with her clients until both are happy before any painting has begun. In an age where so many things are rushed and corners cut,Claire is creating works of art that reclaim an essence of the past, paintings that are truly an original work of art to treasure for many, many years.
"Great paintings of the past fascinate me. I'm intrigued by the techniques the artists employed and the subjects they chose as so much of this is now lost in modern day techniques. I think it is so important to learn from great art of the past and I constantly refer to the work and lives of such artists . I use many of these traditional methods in my work as they produce the best results. I want my paintings to carry the essence of a traditional piece of art, while retaining a contemporary feel through composition."
Claire R Eastgate currently works from her studio in Shropshire, U.K. Studio visits are welcome - please contact for an appointment. Overseas visits & photo shoots by arrangement.
