Sheridan Art Prize
Essay - Women Artists
“Lands End Panorama” by Claire Lau
Claire Lau’s captivating urban landscape paintings compel viewers to pause, observe, and re-establish a connection with nature. While this concept is not new, the young artist’s unique perspective on humanity’s detachment from nature, mainly due to our reliance on computers, is a fresh take. She has dedicated herself to using art to reintroduce people to nature.
Her stunning outdoor oil paintings, created en plein air, are filled with vibrant light and colors. Her loose, broad-brush strokes depict the landscape’s geometric shapes and patterns, reflecting her impressionist and post-impressionist influences.
She rides her bike to various sites, braving the elements as she waits for nature to inspire her to paint. Like Monet’s experience while painting his series of Wheat Stacks, she encounters different seasonal conditions. Her approach of simplifying the landscape composition into geometric shapes, creating textures reminiscent of Cezanne’s paintings of Mont Sainte-Victoire is influenced by her studies of impressionist and post-impressionist art.
However, Lau’s beautiful abstracted idealized landscapes of San Francisco are far removed from the concepts of those artists. She has interpreted her environment with saturated, colorful, flawless virgin trees, wildflowers, bushes, and foliage under perfect, clean, calm blue skies next to thick blue oceans. The imaginary views of Lau’s impeccable landscapes are without the disturbances of animals, birds, people, or machines like planes and bicycles, creating a serene atmosphere that brings a sense of tranquility and peace to the viewer.
Her stunning outdoor oil paintings, created en plein air, are filled with vibrant light and colors. Her loose, broad-brush strokes depict the landscape’s geometric shapes and patterns, reflecting her impressionist and post-impressionist influences.
She rides her bike to various sites, braving the elements as she waits for nature to inspire her to paint. Like Monet’s experience while painting his series of Wheat Stacks, she encounters different seasonal conditions. Her approach of simplifying the landscape composition into geometric shapes, creating textures reminiscent of Cezanne’s paintings of Mont Sainte-Victoire is influenced by her studies of impressionist and post-impressionist art.
However, Lau’s beautiful abstracted idealized landscapes of San Francisco are far removed from the concepts of those artists. She has interpreted her environment with saturated, colorful, flawless virgin trees, wildflowers, bushes, and foliage under perfect, clean, calm blue skies next to thick blue oceans. The imaginary views of Lau’s impeccable landscapes are without the disturbances of animals, birds, people, or machines like planes and bicycles, creating a serene atmosphere that brings a sense of tranquility and peace to the viewer.
Claire Lau The Bernal Cliffs oil on canvas 80” W x 30” L 2024
Her oil painting, “The Bernal Cliffs,” perfectly exemplifies her refined depiction of nature. The title refers to a specific location in San Francisco, Bernal Heights Summit, also known as Bernal Heights Hill, which offers a stunning 360-degree view of the city and a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. It is part of Bernal Heights Park, surrounded by a boulevard of the same name. The neighborhood is predominantly residential, with a commercial area along Cortland Avenue.
The park features hiking trails, unique flora, wildflowers, and even coyotes, making it a vibrant hub of activity. It is a favored destination for locals who enjoy walking dogs, jogging, and biking. The diverse range of activities and the presence of wildlife contribute to the park’s lively atmosphere, making it an ideal subject for Lau’s vibrant paintings.
Claire Lau’s stunning landscapes inspire us to reconnect with nature. Through her vibrant portrayal of the West Coast’s magical colors and light, she reveals the breathtaking beauty of our environment. Her art serves as a powerful reminder to leave our screens behind and experience the wonders of the great outdoors firsthand.
— Fan Lee Warren 11/17/24
The park features hiking trails, unique flora, wildflowers, and even coyotes, making it a vibrant hub of activity. It is a favored destination for locals who enjoy walking dogs, jogging, and biking. The diverse range of activities and the presence of wildlife contribute to the park’s lively atmosphere, making it an ideal subject for Lau’s vibrant paintings.
Claire Lau’s stunning landscapes inspire us to reconnect with nature. Through her vibrant portrayal of the West Coast’s magical colors and light, she reveals the breathtaking beauty of our environment. Her art serves as a powerful reminder to leave our screens behind and experience the wonders of the great outdoors firsthand.
— Fan Lee Warren 11/17/24