Wild Spirit

Alternating between broad glazes and fine details, Claire Milligan captures the intricacies of the animal kingdom

- 

Whave always deeply inspired and the natural world me, which is why they are the main focus of my work and hold a special place in my heart. My passion for capturing intricate details in nature (especially the unnoticed intricacies of fur and feathers) aligns perfectly with my love for wildlife. I spent many years as a colored pencil artist before transitioning to acrylic painting. While pencil was perfect for capturing detail, painting has opened up a new world for me, allowing me to capture the mood and ambience I envision, as well as embrace the vivid and bold colors that acrylic paint is well known for.

My goal is always to capture the true spirit of an animal and evoke emotions that foster a deep connection with the subject. The gaze of an animal is so soulful, and while we can never truly know their thoughts, capturing a single moment in time can leave us wondering what occupies their thoughts. As a result, I often focus my subjects with simple backgrounds to draw the viewer's attention directly to the animal and to make that instant connection.