Painting Nature with Clare - by Clare Therese Gray (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Make nature inspired masterpieces with this friendly all-in-one guide to gouache.

From ferns and flowers to seascapes and songbirds, create charming paintings alongside popular designer and illustrator Clare Therese Gray. This book is packed with stunning illustrations accompanied by detailed instructions so that readers can enjoy each step of the way in creating their own painted masterpieces.

You will learn to capture the world around you with Clare's signature, whimsical style, ideal for gifts, invitations, greeting cards and more. Paint woodland mushrooms, beautiful botanicals or calming pastel landscapes; each project is broken into simple steps so you can enjoy the process and let go of perfection. Similar to watercolor yet easier to control, gouache is a fun and approachable medium for artists of any skill level.

You'll find 25 unique tutorials for creating enchanting relaxing artwork. Pieces are organized from beginner--like a jam jar of wildflowers--to advanced--like a twilight owl scene--so you can grow in confidence and expertise as you paint through each chapter. The book includes a thorough introductory section covering everything you need to get started: choosing and mixing colors, handling paint, selecting brushes and mastering basic techniques.

Let your creativity soar from riverbed to treetop and beyond with this gorgeous guide to gouache.

Review Quotes

"Clare's gorgeous work honors nature in a sensitive way. Her use of color and keen observation inspires creatives to pick up a brush and paint botanicals!"
Ann Wood @Woodlucker Botanical Paper Artist

"A beautifully illustrated book for any budding artist wanting to learn new techniques with gouache. Clare's delicate hand and love of nature is a delight to follow in each step by step project."
Sara Boccaccini Meadows @BoccacciniMeadows Print Designer & Illustrator

"Enter an enchanting world of fauna and flora with master illustrator and designer Clare Therese Gray. Clare generously shares insights into her creative process, making gouache accessible to all with a treasure trove of beautiful projects. Clare's nature motifs are beautifully charming and nostalgic. With a few simple brush strokes Clare conjures up the scents of Spring and the crunch of Autumn leaves."
Becky Cameron @doodleyboo Illustrator

"I am in awe of the lightness and joy with which Clare interprets the natural world. This book is a glimpse into her mind and anyone who wants to get inspired or better their painting skills will love it!"
Malin Gyllensvaan @malingyllensvaan Illustrator & Pattern Designer

"Clare will take you on a magical journey into the world of gouache with lovely projects to help you relax and create beautiful paintings."
Serena White @hogletandco Illustrator

"This gorgeous book will inspire you to play around with gouache and create lovely illustrations. It is a great opportunity to learn from Clare, to understand her choice of color, observe her brush strokes and see how she makes her magical works step by step."
Nina Stajner @ninastajner Illustrator

"I can't think of a better artist than Clare when it comes to painting the beauty of the natural world. This is a glorious, thoughtful book full of wonderful projects to try. It is full of outstanding practical advice, from basic drawing of the elements to full instructions for layering gouache, as well as a particularly helpful colour mixing guide.
Ohn Mar Win @ohnmarwin Illustrator

About the Author

Clare Therese Gray is the pattern designer and illustrator behind the popular Instagram account @ClareThereseGray. She creates patterns and illustrations for textiles, paper craft collections, packaging and homewares, and has partnered with brands like Windham Fabrics, Craft Consortium, Heathcote & Ivory and many more.

She has a passion for lino printing and loves spending time in galleries drawing ceramics and paintings. Otherwise, she can often be found enjoying the English countryside, growing and collecting flowers to dry and, of course, drawing and painting every single day. She lives and works on a rural Hampshire farm in the English countryside with her husband and young family.

You'll find a glimpse of her studio life almost daily on Instagram. Connect with your own artwork using the hashtag #paintwithclare.