Clare McLaine (b. 1989) is a Perth-based artist, originally from Lutruwita (Tasmania), whose deep connection to place and origin informs her work. Having spent 12 months living in rural Thailand and the past decade in Perth, Clare’s artistic practice is shaped by a sense of belonging, distance, and the evocative landscapes of both Tasmania and Australia more broadly, as well as her recent travels through Scotland and Ireland. These varied environments have deepened her appreciation for the interplay of light, weather, and atmosphere, themes that feature prominently in her work.
Working primarily in soft pastel, Clare also explores oil painting, illustration, and Lino printing and digital painting. With a background as a registered architect, Clare’s artistic practice has evolved beyond the precision of linework and perspective to embrace a more expressive, intuitive approach that embraces the fluidity of mark-making over rigid architectural precision. While landscapes remain her primary inspiration, she is also inspired by animals, life drawing, and the movement of animation. Through her work, she seeks to translate fleeting moments into immersive and deeply felt scenes, evoking a sense of stillness and emotional resonance.
Clare’s distinctive approach has been recognised with a High Commendation at the 2024 Pastel Society of Western Australia’s Annual Exhibition and as the winner of the Pastel/Drawing section in the 2024 FOLWAG Plein Air Quick Draw Competition. As she continues her artistic journey, she remains drawn to the changing moods of the natural world and is presently working on a collection of stormy landscapes.