Claire Miller
Artist Bio
Claire is a representational oil painter specializing in landscapes, still life’s, figures, and portraits. Originally from Minnesota, she studied at the Atelier Studio Program of Fine Art in Minneapolis and then continued her education at Laguna College of Art and Design. Now a full-time artist, Claire teaches, and showcases her work across Orange County.
Artist Statement
I draw daily inspiration from the coastal beauty and the atmosphere that surrounds me. Many of my paintings reflect local scenes, sunlit beaches, and quiet, everyday moments that capture the light, color, and spirit of life by the ocean.
Most of my work is painted en plein air - a French term meaning “in the open air.” It’s the practice of painting outdoors, directly from life, which allows me to respond to the shifting light, atmosphere, and energy of a scene in real time. There’s something grounding and immediate about being out in nature with my easel, fully immersed in the moment.
Some places just hold something special; they wrap me in a feeling of fascination and remind me of the quiet magic in the world around us. That’s what draws me in. For me, painting isn’t just about capturing what I see - it’s about honoring the feeling of a place and preserving its charm through the lens of traditional oil painting.
