Claire McCall is a self taught Australian artist strongly influenced by impressionist art. McCall paints light-filled images of everyday beach scenes. Claire McCall earned her place as a Finalist in our 3rd Edition.

What inspired you to start creating art?

As a child, I constantly engaged in craft activities, always wanting to use my hands to create. However, it was not until I was starting a family in my early 30’s following a marketing career as a brand manager in the cosmetics industry that I actually turned my attention to painting. I was for years prior to this drawn into art galleries, wishing that I too could produce beautiful works of art as I saw displayed on the walls. It was actually the exhibition of one particular artist who typically depicted children running across the canvas that brought about my decision (with blissful ignorance) that painting would be my second career path, even though I had never studied art or tried my hand with a paintbrush. 

What inspires your work now?

I am drawn to everyday scenes that depict everyday life. I have spent many years at the beach with my family and I do love to paint light-filled images of figures playing in the shallows but I believe anything can be a good subject if the light is right.

What mediums do you work in and experiment with?

My preferred medium has been oil since the day that I decided to become a painter. I love the buttery texture and surface shine of oil paint especially when applied with a knife. It has always suited my stop-start juggle with family life due to its slow-drying nature. My colour palette is very limited, and one that I use consistently. I choose brushes or knives as large as the canvas allows to achieve an expressive feel.

Are there any particular brands of art supplies you prefer using (if so why)? 

My choice of oil paint brand is Winsor & Newton for its rich pigment and quality at a reasonable price considering I use it so liberally.

Do you have any particular ways that you work through a creative block?

I only have to go outside in search of new source material in morning or afternoon light to find new inspiration.

Can you give any piece of advice to your fellow artists?

Be prepared to destroy a painting whilst being brave rather than being timid and careful. Evolution as a painter comes from making happy mistakes or even unhappy ones.

How do/did you manage the need for perfection within your work?

Originally, I picked up the palette knife to loosen my background painting technique. With a brush in hand, I was often tempted to agonise over the detail. I actually love the loss of control that the knife provides

How do you process/come to terms with and even use other people's opinion of your work?

The greatest compliment someone can pay me is to genuinely stop in their tracks. They may want to take the time to study the range of values and textures of my paintings. Or they study the drama of abstraction vs realism that is my style. Or perhaps just because it captures their eye and holds their attention. This is when I feel that I have really made an impact on the viewer. At the same time, I know that art viewing is highly subjective and my works will not appeal to all who see it. I don’t allow people’s opinions to impact on my personal creative expression. 

Is there an artist/s who inspires you creatively?

As a visual learner, the written word has meant very little in my journey, but the images of bold impressionist strokes, rich colour and bright lights have been everything. There are a number of local Australian impressionist ‘painting heroes’ who have creatively influenced me as I developed my own painting style. I loved nothing more than watching them transform a blank canvas. I find it hard to choose amongst the impressionist masters of the late 1800s but I am particularly drawn to the creative line and texture of Vincent Van Gogh and the light-filled Australian character of paintings by Tom Roberts.

To view more of Claire McCall’s work

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