Claire Failes lives in rural Gloucestershire in the depths of the countryside. She uses her location to inspire her work and she "draws from reality" to create her images of landscapes, organic matter, vegetation and fauna. Taking influences from many artists including the old masters and contemporary artists and illustrators of today to create landscapes, children's books and still life.

She completed a BA honours degree in Illustration at University of West of England in summer 2005.

During her studies she entered the Macmillan student picture book prize with her Anna & Ed story and won a highly commended place.

She has exhibited in the Coningsby Gallery, West End, London 2005.

She has been selected by the Association of Illustrators for their annual publication "Images 30". Also selected by D & AD talent pool to promote her work through their graduate placement scheme.

More recently she has illustrated for The Natural Card Company and sold her greetings card designs to the National Trust and Eden Project. She has also done illustration work for Mantra Lingua.

She is available to undertake commissions. For any enquiries email: claire@drawingonreality.co.uk