Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Loft.
Hi Claire, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Louisiana watching my father paint and as a child, I too had a strong desire to draw, paint and create. I graduated from Louisiana Tech University in art education and had the opportunity to take painting classes during my time there. I fell in love with painting immediately! After getting married, my husband and I moved to Houston where I began teaching and continued to paint leisurely- mostly painting for friends and family. Teaching art and raising my two children occupied most of the time but for the last two years, I have leaned into painting almost daily, even repurposing my garage into a studio and launching my website. It was a request by my husband for a painting of oysters that launched my interest in painting oysters. I found out that painting oysters hit all compositional notes-there is this beautiful contrast of textures and the playful way they can look on a canvas. Today, I continue to paint oysters but have broadened my compositional themes. I want to continue to grow as an artist and I am appreciative of my friends and fellow artists that both inspire and support me.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I think my biggest challenge has been juggling being a teacher, a mom, a wife as well as a new artist. Dedicating time to my work was made a bit easier during the pandemic and since then I have gotten much better at balancing it all. Another challenge has been figuring out the modern marketplace. I know how important social media plays with promoting my work and this has not always been easy for me. I am very appreciative of fellow friends and artists that have been so supportive. (Along with the help from my teenage daughter and son who are much more savvy on this platform that I am!)
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am first a teacher and have been for the past 24 years. I have taught art to all levels- starting out at St. Anne Catholic School teaching Early Childhood to Elementary and Middle School to now teaching at St. Agnes Academy High School. During my years of teaching, I always painted leisurely with the thought that I would one day grow my art business when I had more time. When the pandemic hit, and in-person teaching was put on hold, I had the time to dedicate to doing just that. I started by creating a website, revamping my garage into a studio, and growing my art audience beyond my friends and family. My work has also evolved beyond just painting still-life compositions. While the oyster will continue to be what I am most known for, I have expanded to painting abstract works as well as a variety of still-life compositions. The process of painting abstract work has always been intimidating to me as I have a hard time painting purely from emotion and instinct. Through practice and experimentation, along with taking a few classes, painting in this style has become fun for me. I think my style of painting is unique with the elements I incorporate- using bright colors, playful lines and texture.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
To have patience. Patience with myself and the process of creating a unique work of art, as well as patience with growing an art business. I have learned to step back and be ok with the pace my business is growing which is slow but steady.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.claireloftart.com
- Instagram: @claireloftart
- Facebook: ClaireLoftArt
