There is a strong need in me to capture a beautiful moment in time. It may be a splash of color. It may be a mood. It may be a shape, line, rhythm or form. But capture it I must or at least try.
     These paintings are of beautiful moments experienced during hikes in the deserts of Southern California, Arizona and Utah and walks along the shores of Lake Michigan, near my home. There are also paintings from travels in Brazil, Greece and soon there will be paintings from this fall's 350 kilometer hike across northern Spain on the ancient pilgrimage El Camino de Santiago de Compostela.
     People are one of my great interests, as well, so I've included some whimsical, as well as, serious versions of the species. You'll also notice a special focus on trees. Two years ago after my husband died unexpectedly, I took my grief to the inland lakeshore and forest right in my own town. I walked daily for weeks. Then one day I went back to my studio and started painting trees. I'm still painting them. They have brought me peace, comfort and joy. What more can one ask for?

Ms. Clarke's paintings are enjoyed by people in England, Japan, China, South Africa, Taiwan,
as well as the United States