Clare Pearson Zipperly
Statement:
“My art is a reflection of who I am and how I got here. Coming from a farming family I appreciate all things great and small in my life and environment. I take nothing for granted as a farmer, sailor or Floridian. I watch and respect the weather and how it relates to our moods, habits and environment which I reflect in my work. I love Florida's sunshine, warm climate, tropical growth and it's effect on people. Sunshine reminds me to smile and share this with friends, family, neighbors and acquaintances. I try to reflect on those little things or overlooked moments in my art. My other great love is for people and whether I paint a landscape, still life or any number of subject matter there is always a human element involved. People are ultimately intriguing and I never tire of listening and watching them. Therefore they make the best and most interesting subject matter. Whether it's the chattering of a family get together or a solitary moment people always catch my eye and will continually be my reference for art.”

Bio:
Clare Pearson Zipperly is a professional artist, whom from an early age, loved to draw and paint. She recalls special attention in school for her drawing talents and won her first award in second grade. Clare never expected to be able to make a living in art, so instead pursued a career in graphic design, creative production and printing sales for 17 years. Painting and drawing took a back seat to her graphics career and being a mom for many years until her children were older.

She lives with her husband in beautiful Merritt Island, FL on the Banana and Indian Rivers, which offer a plethora of subject matter. Clare and her husband are avid sailors and enjoy being on the water constantly. She loves painting seascapes and subject matter that living and traveling on the water affords her. Clare's favorite subjects are people and she includes a human element in each piece she paints. She believes life is about the journey and not just the destination.

Clare grew up on a farm in rural Moultrie, Georgia with her mother, sisters, brother and maternal grandparents. She has a Bachelors of Fine Art from Valdosta State University and a Bachelors of Art in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University. Clare has trained under Don Andrews, Pat Weaver, Herbert Shruptine, Jan Kunz and Robert Detamore.

Her award winning, striking paintings are bright and vivid with bold strokes of color that run throughout each work. Admirers say "the richness of her watercolors is reminiscent of oil paintings." Clare's unusual approach is brave and unconventional. If you have ever seen her photocompositions from which she paints you will see her graphics background coming into play. Clare actually takes subjects as reference from one or more photos to combine with a background or setting of another to get the desired effect she wants. Clare has an uncanny ability to see colors in her subject matter then exaggerates those colors to her liking thereby demonstrating that keen observation in her paintings.

Clare is a member of the Southern, Florida, Georgia, and Brevard Watercolor societies as well as the Strawbridge Art League. She is also a member of the Southeastern Pastel Society. Her artwork has been featured in each society's shows. Clare's work can be seen at the 5th Avenue Gallery in Melbourne, FL and Brigantine Gallery in Cocoa Beach, FL where she also teaches watercolor classes. Her work can also be seen on these websites: www.fifthavenueartgallery.com, www.5thAveStudios.com , www.floridaartistsregistry.com, and www.CPZart.com.