Clara is an artist living in Baltimore MD, she’s 44 years old and creates the most colorful animal artwork! Let’s find out more about her and her artwork…

Clara, Can you tell us a little about yourself and your work?

Art is my absolute passion in life. Primarily self taught, I have been drawing and painting since I can remember. After a long career in finance, I finally decided to pursue my biggest dream… of becoming an artist. My long-standing medium of choice has been acrylic and pastels, because of their extensive layering capabilities and intense vivid colors.

Most of my paintings employ many layers in brilliant pure color. I believe color is the universal language that brings a positive energy to people and communicates strong emotions and mood. I also think that animals bring out the goodness and feelings of being with the earth. It’s a combination that has timeless appeal for children and adults alike.

In my paintings, I strive to capture the engaging look or the lively spirit of the animal… something that we often overlook.

I make a conscious effort to create paintings with their own voice, emotion, and mood. My paintings are frequently imaginative, slightly whimsical, but mostly fun. I want people to feel positive, charmed, and connected, when viewing my works.

What’s your favorite piece of work that you have created?

My personal favourite painting would have to be Flaming Otters on Chocolate. As I painted these fellows I started to see individual personalities come out. Each little fellow has its own witty face and sparkling eyes. They are named for their vivid campfire colors.

What are your goals for the future, both work wise and life?

I want to paint for the rest of my life. I love creating paintings that make people laugh, love, and smile. It give me so much pleasure to see how people appreciate my work. My work has broad appeal so I’d like to get into licensing my artwork so that it reaches a bigger audience.

What are you working on at the moment?

I usually have 4 to 5 paintings going on at the same time, in various stages of completion.

I am currently focused on a large commissioned painting of octopus (or octopi for plural).

Also in the works are: candy sprinkle spotted seals, chocolate barn owls on a pink sherbert, some bright green wasabi walruses on dark walnut. Obviously the names of my paintings are half the appeal of my art. I try to give each painting a catchy name, usually named after some sort of yummy food to create even more appeal!

Where do you sell your work, and where can we find you online?

I am currently represented by ARTFX Gallery in Annapolis, Maryland and Wildlife Images Store at the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge in Laurel, Maryland. Online you can find me via my website at Clara Nilles, on my blog and at Wild River Rocks.

For those interested in a commissioned painting you can contact me thru my personal website or if you’re interesting in buying prints or originals contact Artfx Gallery that represents me, or visit their online shop.

What are you doing when you’re not creating?

I spend all my spare time in my art studio. Painting is an integral part of my life. When I’m not painting, I’m thinking about new ideas for paintings. I keep a notepad next to my bed and jot down ideas constantly. Since color is such a big part of my paintings, I spend a lot of time noting colors and unique color combinations I see anywhere.

Other than painting, I love to travel and am an avid skier and mountain biker. I also like antiquing, seeking out neat old vintage stuff. I also dabble in cosmetology…..making my own soaps, lotions, and shampoos.

Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?

Pursue your passion in life. Do what your heart tells you and don’t turn back. Life is way too short to put things off. Do and enjoy what you love the most. If you put your heart and soul into what you love, you will not fail.

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Thanks for taking part in the interview Clara, and for contacting me in the first place – We may never have come across your vivid animal artwork otherwise and wouldn’t have known what we were missing out on!