Claire Olivier

Claire Olivier is a fourth generation Orleanian who has always loved to draw ands secretly envied those who were recognized as artists. However, pursuing a more practical route, she earned her bachelors and masters degrees in education and taught for almost thirty years. With her children grown, she decided that her retirement years offered the opportunity to do what had always been on her mind and in her heart. It was time to take an art class.

 

She credits the People Program in New Orleans for helping her get started with classes in pastels and watercolors. Under the helpful guidance of the talented teachers there she gained the confidence to pursue further study with Byron Levy, Olga Bannister, Betty Dufour and Susan Hotard, who introduced her to oils. Claire has also participated in workshops with Alan Flattmann, Arleta Pech, Larisa Ivakina-Clevenger, Mae Niolet, Judi Betts, Nancy Stutes, Susan Scott, Frank Federico, Linda Kemp, Keith Andry , Mary Lou Liberty, Diane St. Germain,. Lou Jordan, Nita Leland ,and Izols Achinschloss.

 

She is a juried member of the Degas Pastel Society and also a member of Le Petite Art Guild, St. Charles Art Guild, Louisiana Art Association, New Orleans Art Association, Metairie Art Guild, Jefferson Art Guild and West Bank Art Guild.. Claire also credits much of her progress to the help and support of her many art guild friends. Her paintings have won ribbons in a number of local shows, with three of her paintings having been selected as purchase awards by the World Trade Center .

 

"Painting gives me a way to preserve the memory of the things that I see and feel good about.”