Specialising in contemporary realism with a classical style.

Ann Clay

My work is best defined as contemporary realism with a classical style. I am interested in contemporary concerns regarding the figure and its location in space, manipulating realism to explore beyond surface reality. In this way I aim to create a sense of the uncanny as well as suggesting the timeless realm of the beauty of the past by hinting at a subtle connection across time. Examples of the approaches that I use are the combinations of figuration and abstraction and of the plausible and implausible. Formal techniques of painting are researched and explored in order to develop a strong skills base. Although I have worked with many subjects and mediums I prefer to paint in oils on stretched canvas. I am strongly influenced by the Italian Masters and feel that the past will always inform the present.

Biography

I studied Fine Art at The Kent Institute of Art & Design in Canterbury and achieved a 1st Class Honours Degree progressing to graduating with a Masters Degree by registered project at Nottingham Trent University in 2009. I feel that my previous degree in Sociology and Psychology also informs my practice. I have been featured in ‘The Artist & Illustrators’ magazine and was recently invited to show in the Corpus exhibition, Blackheath Gallery, London.

Over the years I have been involved in a variety of projects and exhibitions through links with teaching posts, contact with further and higher education establishments and membership of Art Groups and Professional Associations. This includes solo, group and collaborative exhibitions in Bristol, Kent, Nottingham and Holland. During my working life I taught Art and Design & Technology in a variety of institutions. Currently I am a director of The Nottingham Society of Artists where I have been a member for many years.

My paintings have been shown in many galleries, examples are the Nevill Gallery in Canterbury, the Fairfax Gallery in Tunbridge Wells, Gallery 18 in Loughborough and the Royal West of England Academy. Paintings are held in private collections in the U.K., Holland and Australia through gallery sales and private commissions.

I welcome commissions and will work from photographs.

Getting in touch

Please use the contact form for any enquiries you may have about my artwork including commissions, prices, purchases of my available paintings and general comments on my artwork. I look forward to hearing from you.