The Artist and Writer at work

Marie-Claire writing poetry at her desk.

Sketch in progress of a Short-clawed Asian Otter. Marie-Claire’s descriptive style of writing and love of nature was formed in part by immersing herself in literature from a young age. Her favourite books included Henry Williamson’s ‘Tarka the Otter’ and Richard Adams’ ‘Watership Down’.

Painting 'Sumatran Tiger - Intensity' - 2013

Marie-Claire’s love of nature stems in large measure to her exposure to the countryside around the family vineyard and winery. Here in her teens, she and her sister, Alison, help out in the winery, which was under construction.

Most artwork is based on photos taken by the artist.

Marie-Claire painting some of her early work. This is a Takahe, a New Zealand endemic and endangered species, once believed extinct.

Painting a native Red-billed Gull in swirling water, based on a photo taken at Mahurangi West.

Marie-Claire’s first work represented by Next Door Gallery in Birkenhead, Auckland.

Marie-Claire in front of her painting ‘Denuded - Nikau Palm’ on the opening night of the Mazda Artworks at the Hilton Exhibition. Her painting ‘Dusk – North Island Brown Kiwi’ was also exhibited.

Marie-Claire’s representing gallery in Auckland, New Zealand.

In November 2006, Northern Brown Kiwi were introduced into Tawharanui Open Sanctuary, a 2.5 km coast-to-coast predator-proof fence erected at Tawharanui Regional Park.

Marie-Claire, her son, Alexander, and a slumbering Sumatran Tiger at Auckland Zoo.

Painting 'Sumatran Tiger - Intensity' – 2013

Marie-Claire painting an endangered White Rhino, based on photos taken at Auckland Zoo.

Every opportunity she gets, Marie-Claire is out with her camera, often with a little budding nature-lover in tow.

Marie-Claire’s wedding photo sits on her desk.

Marie-Claire and her son, Alexander, with a Sumatran Tiger at Auckland Zoo. It is on photos of these beautiful cats that her painting ‘Sumatran Tiger – Intenisty’ is based.

An exhibition of Marie-Claire’s early work

Marie-Claire enjoying the beach at Tawharanui Open Sanctuary.

An exhibition of Marie-Claire’s early work.

Marie-Claire photographing flax at Tawharanui Open Sanctuary.

Marie-Claire at her Feathers exhibition, displaying her early work.

Marie-Claire patting horses while tramping at Bethells Beach on the Te Henda trail.

Marie-Claire taking photos at Devonport on Auckland’s North Shore.

After a long week of work, Marie-Claire relaxes while sketching at home.

An exhibition of Marie-Claire’s early work.

Marie-Claire painting ‘Flight of the Kingfisher’, one of her early works.

Marie-Claire’s entry into selling her work, rather than gifting them to friends and family, was through Coffee Tree Cafe in Manly, Whangaparaoa.

An exhibition of Marie-Claire’s early work.