Claire Parker

Claire Parker | Artist, HCPC Registered Art Psychotherapist & Creative Mentor

I am inspired by nature and the changing seasons, expressed with a vibrant palette, subtle shades of dense undergrowth, and emerging wilderness. My paintings allow you to bring the outdoors into your home, with celebrations of colour, light and form that flow throughout my work www.claireparkerartist.com

My style is varied; from detailed studies of a particular fern through to more abstract and expressive representations that capture a mood, a feeling or a concept. I paint mostly in oils and watercolours, each offering a unique expression and a different sense of the subject.

I recognise how art and nature promotes wellbeing, keeping us rooted in the here and now where we can find endless immersive, mindful meditations.

Art and creativity are powerful, relational tools for change, and I believe are essential for our health and wellbeing, helping us feel connected to ourselves and to others and the wider world. I love supporting others to engage with the creative process, to share what I have discovered through my own art. 

My work over the last 20 years, as an Artist, Creative Mentor and HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist uses art to promote wellbeing. I am a professionally trained artist, creative mentor and psychotherapist. I have always loved to make and create, spending much of my childhood outdoors inspired by nature, making dens, drawing and painting. Naturally I went on to study art and design, tutored by an inspiring team of experienced creatives. 

My art education continued in the historic cathedral town of Lincoln- a vocational course which taught fresco and egg tempera painting, gilding and woodcarving. This course built on a childhood fascination of making things, inspired no doubt by my aunt (artist- embroiderer) and uncle (master craftsman), expanding an appreciation of historic interiors, and love of medieval art and crafts, symbolism, rich reds, gold and lapis lazuli blue. 

I established myself as a self-employed artist, prop maker and painter for 10 years in the 1990’s where my time behind the scenes in local theatres moved me towards work on productions at the BBC, Granada Television and Yorkshire TV. I painted murals for shopping centres at Meadowhall in Sheffield, and The Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester, and painted murals for hospitals, restaurants and private homes. I worked my apprenticeship alongside traditional scenic artist Trevor Jones for many years who gave me the confidence to take on large scale projects.

After a break to have my children in the early 2000’s I began retraining as an art psychotherapist, art educator and creative consultant for schools and DCC Children’s services. I continue to take on the occasional commission for theatres such as the Buxton Opera House in Derbyshire, and specialist paint effects for the English touring theatre in Vienna. 

I combine much of what I have learnt over the last 30 years with what I love to do: painting from nature to capture the infinite beauty that nature presents us with every day, and sharing with others the benefits of art to our wellbeing.

Sign up to my quarterly art newsletter to inspire and support you on your creative journey

www.claireparkerartist.com

Follow me on Instagram @claire_parker_artist

and art in the community @makeitbuxton