Clair de Lune is a contemporary acrylic painter whose colorful, energetic landscapes and soulful portraits celebrate the mystery of life. "Every time I paint, I surrender to the unknown. I believe it is that same sense of wonder that draws people to my paintings."

    As a self-taught artist, she values imagination and emotional content. "There is no separation between what happens in the studio and the creative impulse in other aspects of my life," she says. "Creativity is the aliveness, authenticity and freedom we access when we connect with something larger than ourself."

    A childhood in North Africa and worldwide travel have shaped her sense of color and her sensitivity to people and places. Since moving to the Southwest almost two decades ago, she has felt a strong connection to the desert. "Every sensory experience is food for art. My eyes memorize shapes, colors and textures, and later in the studio, I am able to synthesize these visual blueprints."

    She describes her work as a blend of Fauvism and Intuitive art with African, Middle Eastern and Tribal influences. She uses simplified forms, saturated colors and meaningful symbols inspired by ancient cultures. "Some years ago, I started a small retail business importing textiles from Asia. I studied traditional weavings and became fascinated with the use of color and motif. I've been incorporating some of these weaving patterns into my paintings."

    Clair de Lune lives and paints in Santa Fe, NM. She has been sharing her work online and through the Santa Fe Society of Artists' weekly outdoor shows. Her paintings are in private collections throughout the U.S. and Europe.