Claire Jo Harmer, Contemporary Landscape Painter Based in South Devon

Original art

available to Purchase Now

lake district

Pole Star Gallery

Photo credit: Harriet Bird

Painting from the heart

Painting intuitively is an exciting process. I need to let go of inhibitions, of expectations and trust myself. This doesn’t mean there’s no planning involved. Some of my paintings have been steadily forming in my mind and developed in studies for months or even years (even DECADES) before the first marks are made on canvas. For me, the intuition is the faith I have in my own decision making in the creative ‘moment’, the willingness to converse with the canvas. Not just talking to it…although that can happen…but in responding to each mark with another, a back and forth of looking, considering and placing.

I look. I photograph. I sketch. I sketch some more. I contemplate. I set aside. I come back. I make a decision….to begin and THEN the intuition kicks in, and when it REALLY kicks in… the art comes to life.

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chapters

  • New Zealand

    Inspiration and realisation

    Following university and teacher training two elements were calling me, one to paint, the other to travel. With the dramatic landscape and rich arts and crafts culture, I was truly inspired and challenged to take risks and chase my passion to paint.

  • torbay with two

    The juggle

    We moved to Devon with 2 young humans. Responsibilities and essentials meant a reliable salary and time dedicated to raising these awesome boys.

  • 20 year vocation

    Making opportunities for others

    A passionate teacher, 20 years dedication to supporting individuals to surpass their own expectations and journey as explorers on their own personal adventures into themselves and their passions through art making.

  • full time artist

    Freelance painter and Community engaged artist

    Established Cabbage Tree Studio CIC in 2024 and in 2026 it’s all about painting. Developing my visual art practice has become a priority, dedicating time and focus to exploring, learning, refining and pushing boundaries.

2026 - Artizan’s Women’s Exhibition, Artizan Gallery, Torquay

2025 - Scottish Collection - Red 5, Galmpton Creek

2025 – Devon Open Studios - Red 5, Galmpton Creek

2023 - Summer Open , Artizan Gallery, Torquay

2017 - HANDS Exhibition, Hannah’s at Seale Hayne

2009 -Three Artists, Cranleigh Arts Centre, Surrey

2007 - Studio Exhibition, Tokoroa Arts Centre, NZ

Galleries:

The Pole Star Gallery, Keswick, UK

Ciderpress Gallery, Dartington, UK

Otters Pool, Guildford, UK

The Artspace, Tokoroa, NZ

Membership:

Torbay Guild of Artists 2026