HOT PROFILE THIS MONTH - AUGUST 2004

Introducing...
CLAIRE ALDHAMLAND OF CLAIRE IMPRESSIONS

Ever tried to take a perfect horse photograph - ears forward, legs in the correct place, no shadows on the coat, good background, gear sitting properly?! We all know how hard it is! Which is where an animal portrait artist's skills can save the day and capture the moment perfectly, not to mention making a wonderful unique gift of a special animal companion.
Claire Aldhamland of Christchurch recently caught our attention with her beautiful equine and animal portraits that really seem to capture the character of the animal she draws with great realism.
Claire is also an enthusiastic horse rider and breeder so we decided she fitted perfectly into our Hot Profile section and have asked her a few questions for this month's issue.

SNHZ: When did you realise you had a flair for drawing?
Claire: I have always loved to draw. I was the kid that got all the art prizes at school and it just seemed like a natural progression to move into a career as a Graphic Designer.

"Take Flight" 2002
Pencil on Paper - 500mm x 400mm - For Sale Framed

Has your career always been art based?
Yes, you stick with what you are good at and I have always loved art & design. As the industry became more technology based I found I didn't get a chance to pick up a pencil very often. As chance would have it I bought a horse from a friend in the North Island and she was heartbroken to see the mare go. I thought it would be nice to do her a portrait of the horse as a gift and then it all just grew from there. I have taken this year off work to attend the Christchurch College of Education so next year I will be teaching secondary school art. It has been a huge career change and a real challenge but I love teaching and teenagers are definitely that and much more.

What sorts of animals have you drawn?
I mostly draw horses, show hacks, dressage, race horses, jumpers or just your best equine friend. I often branch out to dogs and cats and have done a few sheep for breeders too. I have recently been asked to do a house and a landscape as well so it is fun to branch out and try something different but my passion will always be horses.
The funny thing is I haven't done any of my own horses….must be like the builders house that is never finished!

"Enterprise"
Pencil on Paper - 400 x 500mm - Comissioned work - Not For Sale

Do you have a preferred medium for animal portraits?
I love the pencil portraits and it allows me to get a lot of detail into the portrait but the paintings are very popular and I do enjoy the results although they do take longer. I'm finding I am doing a lot more paintings.

If I wanted to get a portrait done of my pet, what would I need to send you?
I work from photos to get the realism. I find it better to piece a portrait together from several photos to get the best results. Clients usually send me all the photos they have and we then discuss what they like about each picture so I can take parts of each and get the best likeness. What people are looking for is the perfect essence of their horse (or pet) and most often they might have one photo that is a good likeness of the head but the horse was in a dirty old halter and they might have a good body shot but the horses eyes are shut or it is looking the wrong way…that's where I can help by using parts of each photo. Removing the old halter, squaring up the horses legs, piecing it all together.

"The Joys of Spring" 2002 Pencil on Paper - 210mm x 297mm For Sale Framed

"Chloe" 2002 Water Colour on Paper - 200mm x 280mm Commissioned work - Not For Sale

We all know that animals dont sit still for long though, and I'd just love a picture of my cat and dog sitting together! Is this possible?
Of course! I have even changed the rider on a horse before. Combining photos is simple. If you had the perfect photo you would probably hang that on the wall! I really enjoy creating the perfect picture and sometimes it is as simple as correcting a riders position or fixing a show jumpers hanging front legs, other times it is more of a challenge. The effort is worth it when you see the look on the persons face when they get their picture!

How can people contact you if they'd like to find out about a commission portrait or view some works you have for sale?
People can phone me anytime on 021 656 658 or email me at Info@ClaireImpressions.co.nz
My website also shows a few samples of my work so please visit www.ClaireImpressions.co.nz

Thanks Claire!

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