By Mary McCool on Friday 15 May 2015
STV Glasgow
An emerging artist has captured the vibrant personality of Glasgow, not from an art school classroom or studio, but from a kitchen in Fort William. Highland creative Claire Innes has produced some of her best work with her children running around her feet, often wrestling paint brushes from the mouths of two mischievous dogs.
Her stunning watercolours and sketches (see slideshow below) take inspiration from dramatic scenery in Scotland from mountain peaks and barren moors to narrow city streets.
Now the 30-year-old has turned her attention to some of Glasgow's iconic music venues and architecture in her latest exhibition We Built This City.
Running from June 12 - 22, the exhibition will decorate the walls of Wee Guy's Cafe, owned by award-winning Glasgow chef Guy Cowan.
As well as providing the venue for the event, Cowan was something of an inspiration for Claire's early work and has been a firm fan ever since she drew his caricature.
He just happened to be on Ben Nevis with renowned Scots actors Kevin McKidd and Iain Robertson.
Claire said: "I met Guy about a year ago in a pub at the base of Ben Nevis. He was there with Kevin McKidd and Iain Robertson and I got talking to them.
"I did a wee sketch of the three and Tweeted it for fun - it got a great response and it's all just gone from there.
"Guy has always really liked my work, and he's been great, especially for someone who doesn't have an art degree - it's just so much more difficult getting work into the bigger galleries."
Hailing from the north west of Scotland, Claire is a regular visitor to Glasgow, captivated by the city's thriving creative scene and colourful personality.
FULL ARTICLE: http://glasgow.stv.tv/articles/1320565-glasgow-music-venues-and-architecture-showcased-by-claire-innes/
Claire's paintings will be on sale during the exhibition - around six large pieces with some smaller items available - and the hope is to eventually have prints of originals on offer as well.