Clare O'Leary

Suffolk artist primarily working in acrylics inspired by nature, water and the landscape around her. All works displayed are originals, prints available on request.

Born in the Far East, Clare settled in Suffolk and from an early age had a passion for recording what she could see. It is the memories of her early childhood and the lush plant life which have inspired her latest works.

Her work goes beyond the obvious representation of nature to her deep beliefs of how nature works. In her paintings she conveys the interconnection of plants, water and sky, the relationships of species who grow along side each other. It is this which moves her and inspires her to record in the hope people will see this and want to replicate it in their own dealings with not only nature but each other.

Her work is held in private collections around the world and she has had solo and group exhibitions.

Reflecting back

Hidden in the depths can be found the reflections of a surface. However the surface holds an alluring facade drawing you in. It is the confusing elements of depth and surface that entice a longer enchantment.

Original acrylic on canva

90×60 cms

£2000

Settling in

Using then ancient ferns and Gunneras I wanted to develop my ideas around nature reclaiming. I am playing with perspectives again in this piece. There are reflections, changes in scale and confusions over what is happening. This is all composed with the plants still taking centre stage. The oranges become leaf type shapes with the feeling of reflecting the trees forming the background. Contrasts of hot and cool colours reflecting our relationship with nature, the need for it whilst the destruction continues. Plant adapt but at what cost?

60 x 90cms

original acrylic on canvas

£2000

Breaking out

Plants can not be contained and will find a way through what man has created. I chose my palette to reflect this idea. The plants come towards you unrestrained, freeing themselves from the hot orange/red. This colours symbolise fire, heat, danger, destruction. They are bursting with life, reminding us of their strength and ability to survive.

60×90 cms

original acrylic on canvas

£2000

Secret Garden

I ahve always wondered at how gardeners decide on what to include and what to remove when planting their gardens. They have a vast knowledge of colours, heights, need for sun or shade and whether a group of plants will complimnet each other. My painting is about that secret, how colours sit in juxtaposition but still harmonised with each other. Sitting still amongst the plants has allowed me to feel part of this rich tapestry which is a garden.

51×51 cms

orginal acrylic on canva

£800

The Ripple Effect

I have been exploring colours and how they alter an images atmosphere. I wanted to use the juxtaposition between the greens and pinks, the challenges this makes due the intensity of both. I was also playing with perspective, the ripples and the water almost coming over you, tilting towards you. This creates a uncomfortable sensation within the viewer and encourages you to dart around the image not get sucked into the ripples. I am pleased with the creation of light in the background and through the Gunnera leaves.

original acrylic on canvas

90 x 120cms

£3500

Connecting

I changed my palette to bringing in beautiful turquoises and teals, changing reality to my reality. I am entering the intimate space like the plants moving towards the water. I want to be one of them, feeling their gentle brush against my skin. removing myself from the reality of being human.

original acrylic on canvas

102 x 76cms

£3000

Ripple 2

I was heavily influenced by Japanese art and the outlining of shapes by Van Gogh. I wanted to condense the plants down to colour and form and remove the realistic elements. The image has become stylised and almost illustrative. This simplifying forced me to make decisions about what was important and what could be lost.

original acrylic on canvas

60 x 90cm

£900

Interconnecting

The large Gunnera leaves reach towards the light whilst casting shade on smaller plants. The rich variety of species and exciting reflections made me want to be at one with them

original acrylic on canvas

90×60 cm

£2800

Screenshot

Ripples

Who threw the stone, who disturbed the surface? To created the ripple and set things in motion?

The peace is disturbed, nature is waiting.

original acrylic on canvas

60x90cm

£2000

Reflections 1

Dark shapes appear reflecting that which can not be seen within the frame, leading your eye down and then back upwards. Our eyes move our minds and disorientate us.

original acrylic on canvas

40×50 cm

£650

Submerged

Wild swimming, being at one with nature, returning to water as a rebirth.

original acrylic on canvas

70×70 cm

£600

Disappearing

What the eye sees and what is lost in memory, very like gazing into the water and seeing reflections distorting reality.

original acrylic on canvas

46×60 cm

£700

Palm house

A visit to Kew and feeling the sweat run down my back, the heat and humidity transported me back in time. What joy to feel such heat on a damp February day. How exciting to see the light play across the rich green leaves

original acrylic on canvas

60 x 90 cm

£1800

Ophelia

I was inspired by the painting by Millais and my own wild swimming in the rivers of Suffolk. Her pale skin reflects the perfect petals of the lilies

original acrylic on canvas

10×10 cm

£350

Original Acrylic Painting

Reflections 2

Pinks and greens. “A colour should never sit without its complimentary” I read somewhere, the yin and yang, male and female, but no war just peace.

original acrylic on canvas

45 x90 cm

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