Road Runner on Raspberry Red

The comical mohawk'd Road Runner is the state bird of New Mexico.  Readily adapted to human environments....this large, zany bird can be seen hunting lizards across the desert as well as on suburban lawns.  

Road Runner on Raspberry Red is a 24x24 canvas painting.

Clara's Art on .........Bling Jewelry Boxes

For a limited time these Beautiful Bamboo Bling Jewelry Boxes are available with 20 of my crazy colorful animals.  They are the perfect holiday gift for someone else or for yourself!  

Best Friends Orphans

African elephants are often victims of horrific ivory poaching that traumatizes and orphans baby elephants.  Youngsters who are lucky enough to be rescued....will respond to human care and rehabilitation. 

Best Friends Orphans (18x36 gallery wrap) is a group of rescued baby elephants 
who have become a close family unit. 

I will personally donate 10% of proceeds from sale of this original painting to
The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphan's Project.  
Please consider making a donation to this organization!    
For more information about orphaned elephants: 
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphan's Project. 

Penguin's Trot on Hot Ice!

This trio of purple footed Chinstrap penguins are waddling on red hot ice!  The Chinstrap Penguin is distinguished by a black stripe under their heads......like they are wearing biker's helmets!  

Penguin's Trot on Hot Ice! is a 15x30 gallery wrap canvas.

Midnight Snacks!

Bats are adorable little creatures that help the environment.  

They are declining in alarming numbers due to disease and human disturbance....but you can still see them in huge numbers at Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico and Colossal Caves, Arizona.  

Midnight Snacks!, a 30x30 canvas....depicts one of the most common bats in the American Southwest, Mexican Free-Tail Bats.....feeding at night!    

I love customer pics!

There's nothing more exciting then seeing my artwork on the actual walls, homes, and offices of clients.  Thanks to many of those who sent me these great pics!

Spotted Ponies on Coffee Bean Brown

The "Leopard Appaloosa" is a very distinct horse with mottled or brindled spots, often covering the entire body of the animal. This family of Spotted Leopard Appaloosa ponies is contrasted on a rich coffee bean brown......with a flushing fuchsia foal in the middle!

Spotted Ponies on Coffee Bean Brown is a 30x30 canvas painting.

Artist Rachel Bingaman

Recently I found an artist by accident and wanted to feature her art because it's just fantastic!   

Artist Rachel Bingaman's surreal landscapes with intricate brushstrokes....drew me in with her glorious colors and contemporary minimalist look.  Using oils, she paints monolithic trees and expansive skies that are both enchanting yet haunting.  

Bingaman is local to Washington DC and represented by galleries in Virginia, Texas, and Maine. Her work was also featured on the set of NBC's "Save Me".  She has won numerous art awards and garnered international collectors.

Bingaman's breathtaking art can be seen on her Etsy Shop and Artist Blog. 

Clara's Art..........on Wooden Art Blocks!

I am now offering my giclee canvas art prints mounted on wood blocks.  Currently available in miniature 4"x6" or 4"x4" sizes....they are super cute.....especially when displayed in a small group!   

PERFECT for the holidays....collect one or a series!

Giclee Canvas Art Blocks.......with natural pine edges.

Giclee Canvas Art Blocks.......with black paint edges.

No framing required.......blocks are personally signed (by me!) and come ready to hang.  

Clara's Art.......on Suede, Satin, and Silk Fabrics!

I have been selected by Hot Boltz Inc. to have my artwork printed on some of the latest and newest fabrics on the market including; micro & heavy suede, poly silk, satin, upholstery fabric, felt, and outdoor polyester fabrics.   

These materials can be used for tablecloths, table runners, outdoor floor mats, wall tapestry, pillows, shower curtains, on furniture......the possibilities are endless!

Artwork printed on suede fabric and poly silk......from Hot Boltz, Inc. 

Hot Boltz, Inc was recently featured in the Baltimore Sun. 
Check out some samples of designs and materials being used......

Big Sky Bison on Desert Turquoise

My latest painting is a classic Western icon....the American Bison herd on the horizon......under a big desert turquoise blue sky.

Petroglyph drawings in the ground.....symbolizes ancient messages, spiritual connection, and cultural significance between man and animal.

Big Sky Bison, Details

Big Sky Bison on Desert Turquoise is on a jumbo 24 x 48 canvas.  

Clara's Art.....now on Fashion Bags!!

I'm thrilled to be rolling out a select few of my artwork on fabulous fashion bags!  They include:

Camera Bags, Messenger Bags, Cross Body Bags, Laptop Sleeves, Passport Cases, and Cell Phone Cases.   

Clara Nilles Camera Bags

These bags are beautiful, fun, versatile, and PERFECT for the holidays! 

Clara Nilles Laptop Sleeves

They will be available starting late September 2013 thru Janine King Designs.

Clara Nilles Cross Body Bags

Clara Nilles Messenger Bags

Jelly Bean Giraffes on Pineapple Cross Body Bags

Clara's Art.......now on Woven Room Rugs!

My artwork is now available on Woven Room Rugs!  Currently available only thru Deny Designs, these woven rugs are a sturdy polyester jacquard fabric and right now only in sizes 2x3 and 4x6  (larger sizes will be coming!)......check em out!!

Lemon Spongecake Sheep on Merlot Woven Room Rug

Clara's Art.....on Better Homes & Garden!

My art products now being sold on Better Homes & Garden's online shop.....check em out!

Artist Hiatus.....

I've been spending the summer on an artist hiatus in New Mexico....exploring, getting reference photos, and ideas for new paintings.

Thought I'd share some images from locations (many off the beaten path) in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, & western New Mexico. There's so much natural beauty, wildlife, history and culture in this amazing area...

Ancient Zuni Indian Pueblo
El Morro National Monument, Ramah, New Mexico

Sandstone Mesa
El Morro National Monument, Ramah, New Mexico

Bed of volcanic ash and new growth
El Calderon, Grants, New Mexico

Sandia Mountain at sunset
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque at night
Sandia Peak Tramway

Sunset paints the mountains blood red
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Surreal sandstone rock formations
El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico

La Ventana..... the largest natural arch in New Mexico

Tiny oasis in the desert... a Vernal pond explodes with temporary life after the rains,

including tadpoles,  daphnia shrimp, insects, and birds....then within days they may completely dry up.

Pygmy Pinon pine.....tree growth stunted by harsh desert environments
Grants, New Mexico

Gaping cracks in a volcanic lava bed.....some 20 feet deep!
Thousands of yrs ago western New Mexico was a big volcano (that explains the hot weather)!

Ropy Pahoehoe is the name of lava with a thick ropy texture...common in lava fields.
El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico

El Santuario de Chimayó
A religious Spanish Catholic Holy Pilgrimage village near Santa Fe, New Mexico

Ancient Petroglyphs
Petroglyph National Monument, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Ancient Petroglyphs near Albuquerque, New Mexico

Ancient Petroglyphs near Albuquerque, New Mexico

The foothills of Sandia Mountain

Recent rains cause cacti to bloom
Sandia Mountain

Spectacular views of entire city of Albuquerque from Sandia Foothills 

HooDoo volcanic rock formations
Tent Rocks, New Mexico

Deep arroyos carved from wind & water
Slot Canyon, New Mexico

HooDoo volcanic rock formations
Tent Rocks, New Mexico

The Road Runner is a large bird.... over 12" tall
This fellow was curious & tame....allowing me to come close.

Recent rains turns the desert into golf turf green.
Socorro, New Mexico

Gigantic radio telescopes (Very Large Array)
Magdalena, New Mexico

Approaching storm at the Very Large Array
Magdalena, New Mexico

Desert Jack Rabbit......this buck was very tame allowing me to approach close!