Clair connects people with Nature and one another through botanical illustrations, oil paintings, custom commissions, and online instruction. She is deeply moved by intricate botanical forms and rich saturated colors, pulling inspiration from her own garden, and her travels, as well as historical botanical artists like Maria Sibylla Merian and Joris Hoefnagel.
"I am endlessly fascinated by botanical subjects and still life. My paintings and drawings are about observation, relationships, loss, and growth. Plants are natural metaphors for these ideas, as they consistently change and repeat growth cycles. In my garden I connect with Nature, watching these cycles year after year, and finding rich inspiration. Botanical Illustration requires intense observation and attention to detail; I often feel a close relationship to my subjects. In my paintings, meaningful or symbolic items are often the main focus, with light, shadow and color contributing to atmospheric, sentimental feelings. I am interested in how we connect and disconnect with ourselves, each other, and the world around us."
“My paintings and drawings focus on our relationship with nature and with ourselves. I'm interested in how we connect and disconnect, every day, with our surroundings and with each other. Natural forms and ordinary objects are metaphors for emotions and actions.”
Oil Painter and Botanical Illustrator
Clair Gaston
About Clair
My Story
Like what you see?
I will personally show you around the studio.
Some works are held on reserve and newer works are waiting to be viewed.
Visit the Studio
Would you like to see what I currently have available?
Reserve a time to view my works in person.
I offer lessons for artists and students wishing to learn beginning to advanced techniques as well as create beautiful artwork to share with friend, family, curators, and judges.
Private in-person art lessons are held in the privacy of your own home or studio and are designed to fit your specific needs. I also offer a variety of group lessons at The Contemporary Austin Art School. It is my mission to provide you with the skills and tools you need to create the artwork you have always wanted to make.
Additionally, I teach Botanical Illustration at The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center several times a year. These are offered through The Art School. Click on the listings below to view classes.
Private and Group Lessons
Visit the Studio
Private & Group Lessons
Commissions
BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION
BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION-
Wildflower center
NEW - BOTANICAL 2
PAINTING
BOTANICAL PAINTING workshop
PAINTING Extended
Clair gratefully accepts commissions for illustrations and botanical paintings that are inspired by your favorite or sentimental plants. In some cases, a client will choose a work of art that has already sold or they wish to purchase something a little more personalized.
Commissioning artwork is a unique experience which allows you to trust the artist with your vision. Gaston work in collaboration with your requests to create a unique piece in her color saturated style for your private or home collection.
Commissions
"My paintings and drawings are about observation, relationships, loss, and growth. Plants are natural metaphors for these ideas, as they consistently change and repeat growth cycles. Botanical illustration requires intense observation and attention to detail; I often feel a close relationship to my subjects. In my paintings, meaningful or symbolic items are often the main focus, with light, shadow and color contributing to atmospheric, sentimental feelings."
Commission artwork for your private collection
inquire about commissions
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