Claire Holloway

About

Growing up in Oklahoma City near the stockyards and fairgrounds instilled Claire with a love for classic western themes from a young age. Horses, livestock, and dogs always caught her eye. Claire views the West not only as a specific region, but a region shaped by fables, folklore, and interactions between humans and animals. Pulling from a rich catalogue of these narratives - both historical and current - Claire’s goal is to tell the untold stories of animals in the American West.

After studying academic painting and drawing at the Oklahoma Academy of Classical Art, Claire attended the University of Oklahoma and studied with acclaimed sculptor Paul Moore. Along with her studio practice, Claire teaches at Oklahoma Contemporary’s Studio School.

Q&A

How did you start pet portraits?
To say I'm a bit of a dog nerd is an understatement. I've drawn from dog encyclopedias as long as I can remember, and this love developed into an understanding of anatomy and how to capture a dog's personality. As my skills developed, I tried my hand at creating portraits for friends. A snowball effect occurred from there. In college I started a pet portrait business, and I've created over one hundred portraits since then. Drawings are my bread and butter, but I'm intrigued more and more by sculpting pets. The three-dimensionality of sculpting lends itself to capturing the essence of a dog and I love the tactile nature of sculpture.

What's your favorite animal to paint/sculpt/photograph etc?
Dogs. Ironically, I adore the sinuous and lithe nature of cats, but dogs have my heart. I'm still a dog nerd.

Do you have any pets? Are they an inspiration in your work?
Yep! My beagle Shoeshine is my constant (and often exasperated) model. I draw him almost daily and move him all around to understand canine anatomy. He's inspired several sculptures as well.

Any advice for artist getting into pet portrait work?
Draw from life as much as you possibly can! Dogs, cats, birds, zoo animals, anything. It is one of the best ways to understand anatomy and give you the confidence to draw anything! Plus, you will notice the beauty in the animals that surround you.

Do you take commissions?
Yes! People can reach out to me at (405)818-4183, at my email clairehollowayart@gmail.com, my instagram @clairehollowayart or at my website www.Clairehollowayart.com