Henley artist Clare Hoath proves it’s never too late to find your creative spark

Henley artist Clare Hoath shares how motherhood sparked her passion for painting, her inspiration from Oxfordshire and her new art classes.

Some people discover their life’s passion early. For Clare Hoath, it began with a paintbrush, a new baby and an unexpected career change.

After years working in sales and marketing in the financial services sector, Clare found herself with time on her hands following the birth of her first son. Curious to try something new, she joined local art classes, attended community groups and borrowed every painting book she could find from the library.

“I was instantly hooked,” she says.

Today, the Oxfordshire artist paints impressionist landscapes and colourful garden scenes, selling her work through exhibitions, art fairs, commissions and her growing Instagram following. But despite finding her artistic voice, Clare refuses to be confined by one style or medium.

“I’ve experimented with everything from painting to sculpture,” she explains. “There’s just so much to explore creatively.”

Having grown up in Oxfordshire and studied at Henley College, Clare now lives in the tiny village of Aston, just outside Henley, where the surrounding countryside provides endless inspiration.

Favourite walks include the Thames Path and riverside routes into Henley, usually accompanied by her much-loved Cavapoo, who, she laughs, is “possibly the world’s largest and neediest” – although not, it seems, a fan of particularly long walks.

Away from the easel, Clare enjoys discovering treasures at Henley’s Vintage Shop, relaxing at The Flower Pot in Aston and catching comedy shows at the Kenton Theatre, where she has recently seen comedians including Jack Dee and Milton Jones.

She’s also an active member of several local groups, attending weekly life drawing sessions at White Waltham Village Hall, swimming and playing tennis at Phyllis Court, golfing at Hennerton Golf Club and preparing to try the increasingly popular sport of padel at Wargrave Tennis Club.

This autumn marks another exciting chapter as Clare launches beginners’ impressionist painting classes, hoping to inspire others who, like her, might discover a hidden creative talent later in life.

Her advice? Don’t worry about getting it right.

“Just start. You never know where that first brushstroke might lead.”

Find Clare’s work, commission enquiries and details of her new art classes on Instagram @clarehoathart or email clarehoathart@gmail.com.

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