About Clae
In my paintings, I am chasing the elements that define and shape the essence of that person. Each mark is a token, an expression, a nuance, which pieces together their story. My work serves as a celebration, a documentation, and a tribute to the marks people make on the world. Through art, I aim to honour their legacies and the profound influence they've had on shaping our society, ensuring their stories continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come.
Clae Eastgate was born in Nottinghamshire, UK, in 1968. After leaving Birmingham School of Art and relocating to London in the early '90s, she continued her studies, transitioning from sculpture to life drawing and painting. Largely self-taught in painting, Clae began her career in portraiture around 2013. Initially working almost exclusively on commission, she now focuses on specific projects, often collaborating with other artists and institutions.
Clae also teaches A Level and GCSE Art & Design and is frequently invited to tutor on portrait courses, including BA Honours in Fine Art programs and masterclass summer schools. She divides her time between Shropshire and London, where she lives and works.
Previous events & exhibitions
Art Academy London - Masterclass in Portraiture 2024
Kendal Poetry Festival 2024, in conversation with poet Imtiaz Dharker
Acquired by the Scottish National Portrait Gallery for the permanent collection 2020
Former National Poet of Wales, Gillian Clarke, is the latest portrait from the Painting the Poets collection to be acquired by the National Library of Wales' permanent collection.
As part of the Ledbury Poetry Festival and h.Arts Festival the Painting the Poets collection will be showcased during September & October 2023 in the Poetry House, Ledbury.
The portrait of Jackie Kay 'Red, Red' acquired for the Scottish National Portrait Gallery's permanent collection 2021
'Air and Light' - A Portrait of Carol Ann Duffy and 'Red Red' - a Portrait of Jackie Kay hanging side by side in the permanent Contemporary Portraiture collection at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
I recently took the post as Course Manager at BGA, an international distance - learning school; re-writing and overseeing the Art & Design IGCSE and A Level qualification courses.
As part of the Bishops Castle Arts festival a selection of portraits from the Painting the Poets collection will be exhibited in the Town Hall Gallery. PV 10th February, 6pm. All welcome.
I will be painting the award winning poet, Jane Burn's portrait for the Painting the Poets collection. This portrait will be slightly different, however, as Jane will be painting the background. The journey of this portrait in the making is currently being documented on Facebook.
I'll be showing the Painting the Poets collection at the Kendal Poetry Festival this year. 23rd - 26th June
An honour to be painting the portrait Dame Jane Goodall DBE. Portrait sittings too place in 'lockdown' sessions via zoom.
Group show April 2022 (dates tbc) at The Chelsea Chelsea Arts Club
Tutor at Art Academy London, BA (HONS) in Contemporary Portraiture and the Self Portrait short courses.
Women in Frame in collaboration with Poet in the City as part of Venus Rising at Kings Place 2019. Exhibition & live event.
The Poets
National Portrait Gallery BP Award exhibition 2017
Editorial on the Painting the Poets collection in Studio International magazine
Editorial on Painting the Poets collection in the Kensington and Westminster paper 2020
Editorial on the Painting the Poets collection in Jackson Art
Article on "The Poets" portrait in the Mail on Sunday 2017 for the BP Portrait Award exhbiiton.
Interview on Painting the Poets collection in Sound Art Radio 2020 & 2021
"She's Gone". Ruth Borchard Self Portrait Prize 2017 Exhibition
"Glass Ceiling" Ruth Borchard Portrait Self Portrait Prize 2015 Exhibition
Mall Galleries exhbition, Art for Youth 2019
"Cunto" A Portrait Of Joelle Taylor, Pride in Art, annual LGBT+ exhibitions at Capital Group 2020
Recreating Archangel Michael by Guido Reni for the film director Katherine Brooks’ new movie 2015
A Portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth ll Commissioned by the Kennel Club 2013
