Biography
Claire lives in Gloucestershire with her husband, daughter and step-son. She has an established picture framing business, specializing in frame restoration and gilding.
She uses her extensive knowledge of gilding and an abundance of glass off cuts to create her Verre Églomisé pieces, combining her life-long love of drawing and art education, which include an Art and Design Diploma and a Degree in Design.
Her insipiration predominantly comes from the natural world, growing up in rural Gloucestershire, she has always had a fascination with insects, birds, reptiles and plant life.
Restricted by the scale of gold leaf (8x8cm) Claire began working in miniature scale, carefully marrying up subject matter with complimentary gold leaf panels.
Encouraged to submit her work to the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers (RMS) annual exhibition in London, she was honoured to receive the 'Gold Memorial Bowl Honourable Mention' Award for two consecutive years (2015 & 2016). She was also elected as an Associate member (ARMS) in 2016 and had two articles published in the summer and autumn editions of Artists & Illustrators magazine.
In 2017, Claire exhibited and sold works at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) Bristol in the Autumn exhibition and the bi annual ‘Drawn’ exhibition. Also exhibiting work with the Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers Society of Washington DC (MPSGS).
In 2018 Claire became a member of the Miniature Art Society of Florida (MASF) receiving an award for her Botanical work ‘Autumn’s Bounty’. She also exhibited and sold work at the Hilliard Society in Somerset and The Snow Goose Gallery in Pennsylvania, USA.
Claire has also been honoured further by being elected as a full member of the Royal Miniature Society (RMS) .
For the 2019 Miniature Art Society of Florida exhibtion Claire's work ‘Pleasant Pheasant' has received an award in the Bird category. She also recieved a 'Gold Memorial Bowl Honourable Mention' in the Royal Miniature Society exhibition.
Claire also had an article published on art theory in Artists and Illustrators magazine, entitled 'Working with gold leaf and the art of Verre Eglomise' which lead to appering on Channel 4 'Kirsties Handmade Christmas' in December (episode 11).
Claire has had a lovely start to 2020 as she has been invited to become a member of The Miniature Society of Painters, Sculptors and Gravers Washington DC (MPSGS) - a sister society to the Royal Miniature Society'.
As seen on Channel 4 'Kirsties Handmade Christmas' - (December 9th - episode 11)
Angel of the Stars
23ct gold leaf with 7.2ct white gold leaf on glass - Verre Eglomise
by Claire Russell
Events
In May 2018 Claire and four others had the honour of attending the 70th Birthday of HRH The Prince of Wales in the beautiful grounds of Buckingham palace.
Based on continuing contribution and commitment to the Royal Miniature Society, Mrs Claire Hucker (Russell), Miss Rosalind Pierson, Mrs Marian Tumelty, Miss Helen White and Mrs Jenny Walbank (Musker) attended.
awards
Royal Miniature Society
GOLD BOWL HONORABLE MENTION 2019
Miniature Society of Florida
SECOND PLACE BIRD CATEGORY 2019
Miniature Society of Florida
SECOND PLACE FLORAL & BOTANICAL CATEGORY 2018
Royal Miniature Society
GOLD BOWL HONORABLE MENTION 2016
Royal Miniature Society
GOLD BOWL HONORABLE MENTION 2015
Testimonials
'Your wonderful "Bees" were "the most exquisite present you have ever given me" said the birthday husband this morning!!! We both absolutely love it very much, thank you Claire.
It truly is a work of art that will have a special place in our home.' DD.
It truly is a work of art that will have a special place in our home.' DD.
'My parents were blown away by your picture. It really is beautiful. They absolutely love it. Thank you so much for all your work' SW.
'Claire’s work is beautiful. I bought two pendants for my wife and daughter and they love them. My daughter dropped hers and was so upset, contacted Claire and she replaced it free of charge. Wonderful service from a real artist and artisan and very nice person. Check out her products they really are lovely.' RG.