I am an environmental artist, writer, and educator creatively exploring the interwoven patterns of people, place, and climate change.

From creating rain-dappled sketches in an old growth forest to filming a watercolor class beside a glacier, careful observation of nature inspires my goal to connect people and place through art.  In 2021 I founded the Adventure Art Academy – a series of virtual watercolor classes filmed outside – to invite others into the joy of painting outside.

THE ADVENTURE ART ACADEMY is a series of watercolor classes that I film entirely outside and onsite. From painting beside a sparkling alpine lake to exploring the lines of a receding glacier, I invite you to go on an immersive virtual painting adventure with me. Watercolor is often taught as a complex and slow process, but I learned a different way of painting over the last ten years that is accessible, fast, and fun. I create each monthly lesson in a new location and walk you through every step of the painting, from the initial sketch to the final details. 

I hope you will come on a painting adventure with me! - www.adventureartacademy.com -

To see some of the places I paint and teach, take a peek at this video.

My art journey began ten years ago when I met – and painted - a dying glacier. In the lines of my painting, climate change became incredibly personal. Through art, I felt empathy and grief for what we were losing.

As an artist I strive to inspire others to feel this personal connection, too. Because I believe this is how environmental stewardship arises— when we feel something deeply enough to be spurred into action. And when I paint or film a place, I am a documentarian, witness, participant, and advocate. And with everything I make, I strive to be a creative catalyst forging connections between endangered environments and our everyday life.

If you are interested in collaborating, learning more about my work, or purchasing art please reach out anytime. I look forward to hearing from you! claireswanderings@gmail.com

RESOURCES I compiled a list of my favorite tools, materials, and books. These resources are focused on Watercolor painting, and can be found here.

Photo Credit: The images on my site were taken by me, Grace Giordano, Jenn Maurer, and Dan Wai Li. Additional credit given on specific pages.