Claire Harkess RSW

Claire Harkess grew up in Ayr, in southwest Scotland, and studied at the Glasgow School of Art. For many years, the natural world — particularly birds and wildlife — has been her central source of inspiration.

A residency at Edinburgh Zoo marked the beginning of a twenty-year journey observing nature in its wild and fragile habitats. Her travels have taken her to Antarctica, Greenland, Svalbard, St Kilda, the Australian Outback, the Galápagos Islands, Kenya, and India. Whether exploring remote regions or returning to familiar landscapes closer to home, Claire finds that no two experiences are ever the same.

Her paintings serve as reminders of what — and with whom — we share this planet. Each work distils the essence of the natural world and brings it to life in another form.

Working in watercolour, Claire embraces the immediacy and energy of the medium. The delicate balance between pigment, water, paper, and brush is key to her process. At times, a single calligraphic brushstroke can capture the movement and freedom of flight; at others, the joy lies in pouring generous washes of paint — uncontrolled and unpredictable — and waiting days to see how the pigments settle and separate. The unfolding process, and the challenge of developing each painting to completion, continues to feed her enduring passion for watercolour.