Artist Clare Ormerod is internationally recognized and admired for her impressionist-style townscapes and seascapes and her unique portrayal of animals. The young artist took some time out of her hectic routine to talk about her work, babies, her passion for dogs and, her latest venture, running an ancestral castle in Ireland

From dogs, cats, birds, houses and places, your work involves a diverse mix of subjects, which is your favourite subject to draw and why?

A: I love characters and capturing them and putting it into artwork. Dogs have always been a passion partly because their faces are so expressive but I adore all animals and as no two are the same.

Your work certainly is unique as it captures the spirit of inanimate, man-made locations as well as animals and wildlife. What gives you your inspiration for your varied art collection?

A:  All sorts of things inspire me – everyday there is something new to draw or paint – I only wish there were more hours in the day!

You have had recognition in New York, was it difficult to break into the American market?

A: I have had recognition from all over the world America, Australia – this is mostly through selling of prints but now I am doing commissions from all over the world

What has been the biggest highlight of your career and why?

A: I think one of the highlights of my career are was exhibiting at the Royal Academy in London and meeting some of the other Royal Academicians who had chosen my piece to be exhibited- it was great to get the recognition.

You have recently moved to Ireland and had a baby. What is running an ancestral castle like, especially with a young baby?

A: Life is full of challenges- exhausting most of the time our lives are very busy. It is very different from living in London but a wonderful place to bring up children and to get inspiration for my work.

What advice would you give to all aspiring, young artists wanting to make a name for themselves?

A: Persevere – even when you get rejected for something keep try another avenue as if you keep going something will come good and as long as you love what you are doing you will be successful in the end.

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