As the daughter of an artist mother, Clarissa Randolph assumed that painting and creating art was just another normal thing that people did. As with most things that feel natural, she took its necessity for granted. It didn’t seem odd that when she was hired to work at a local paint store at the age of 16, her boss put her in charge of custom tinting paint to match customer’s fabric and wallpaper samples. Without an appreciation for her artistic inclinations, she went to college, earned a degree in Physical Therapy, and got a “real job.”

Science replaced creative expression until an unlikely friendship encouraged Clarissa to see creativity’s importance differently. Lois Jordan, a prolific artist and wife of Clarissa’s patient, invited her to paint at Lois’ Brunswick, Maine studio. Lois had a contagious enthusiasm and a lifetime of knowledge in her craft. Lois revealed to Clarissa that artistry is a gift that is essential and capable of producing much joy. Through thoughtful study and dedicated practice alongside Lois, Clarissa’s own rather impressionist style emerged, layering up and underpainting to allow each scene to evolve. She is most inspired by the beauty in natural landscapes. Since moving to “the middle of the map” she has been swooning over dramatic skies and open wild prairies.

Clarissa’s work represents her overwhelming need in this fast paced, hyperconnected society to unplug and spend time with the Creator in the solace and solitude of a natural environment. Her art is always exploring the concept of consistency and diversity in nature. She finds a space in which the range of emotions are free to be explored among the quiet acceptance that only time outside can restore. It is her greatest hope that she can transport anyone to that space through her art.