Introducing: Robert James Clarke
I first noticed the dog portraits of Robert James Clarke while browsing the artists represented by Crickett Fine Art in London long before I opened The Willard Gallery. Months later, Robert and I connected on Instagram and decided to work together. He shipped six of his dog portraits, which he cheekily describes as mug shots, to us here in Maine this May and the paintings have been brightening up our walls ever since.
I’m delighted to share this Q&A with Robert for a glimpse into the man who spends his days painting all sorts of dogs - from celebrity commissions to sketches of his own dog, Fog.
In a few sentences, describe the portraits you paint of dogs.
I try to capture the essence of the dog but in a playful painterly manner.
What drives you to create?
Oh, I get up in the morning and feel lucky to be able to pick up a brush. It's part of my life like drinking water or eating.
When you’re not painting dogs, what subject matter do you like to explore?
The female form, nudes
Tell us about your dog, Fog.
Fog is a jackapoo. She's a monster, but she's hilarious and runs like the wind.
Who are your favorite artists?
Phillip Guston, Jean Debuffet, Roger Hilton, Peter Lanyon, Joan Mitchell, Joan Brown, and Ros Wylie.
How do you know when a work is finished?
The eyes look at me.
Favorite museums or galleries?
MOMA. Also, Waddingtons and Alan Cristea, which is now Cristea Roberts.
What do you like most about living and working in New York? What do you miss most about life in London?
The noise, the pace, the food, the booze, and the culture in New York. I miss St. John restaurant in London and that is all.
