I have always been inspired by the natural world and in particular, the plant world. Nature’s shapes, with their color, light and shadows are intriguing to me. I sketch from life, but also research and take photographs from different angles. I want my subjects to be accurate but I like to play with composition and color to highlight their beauty.

 

I paint mostly with transparent watercolor. However, I often use a mixed media approach with watercolors and colored pencils. I also like to work with colored pencils on matte film, drawing on both sides of the film to add a dimension of depth. 

 

About the Artist…

Claire Alderks Miller is a botanical/nature artist and illustrator, living in Raleigh NC. She has a degree in Biology and Studio Art, worked as a graphic artist and freelance artist, and is a graduate of the NC Botanical Garden’s Botanical Illustration Certificate program. She is a member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, American Society of Botanical Artists and volunteers as a Wake County Extension Master Gardener. Her pieces have been in exhibits statewide, including the NC Botanical Garden’s Arthur S. DeBerry Gallery, NC Museum of Natural Science’s Nature Art Gallery, Meredith College Rotunda Art Gallery, and the North Carolina Aquariums.