Clarice Gomes
Clarice Gomes is a watercolour artist, author and retreat host known for her pretty, romantic and loose style, using nature-inspired painting to encourage creativity, calm and connection.
My name is Clarice, author of Paint 50 Watercolour Nature. I teach you how to go with the flow and paint loosely in therapeutic watercolour. I love travel and host all-inclusive style watercolour retreats for those looking to travel, paint, connect and practice the pause. I believe watercolour is a discipline that will help you regulate, while teaching you how to find your calm in situations outside your control.
Interview with Clarice Gomes
For Clarice Gomes, watercolour is about more than creating beautiful paintings. It is a way to slow down, connect with nature and find moments of calm. Author of Paint 50 Watercolour Nature, Clarice is known for her pretty, romantic and loose approach to watercolour, encouraging artists to let go of perfection and enjoy the process.
Alongside her painting and teaching, Clarice hosts all-inclusive watercolour retreats, bringing together travel, creativity and community. From finding inspiration in nature to knowing when to pause when a painting is not going to plan, her approach centres on making creativity a regular and restorative part of everyday life. We spoke to Clarice about her artistic journey, the influence of Vincent van Gogh, her favourite Daler-Rowney colour and why stepping outside your comfort zone can be an important part of developing your practice.
When did your love of art start? Did you always want to be an artist?
I’ve always enjoyed drawing and painting as a child. Creating things like cards and such out of candy wrappers. My creative side has always been something that shines in my life.
How would you describe your artistic style in three words?
Pretty, romantic, loose
What would be your advice for new artists just starting up?
Learn to have fun during your practice. Be brave to step outside your comfort zone when trying things. It’s just a piece of paper, so you can always try it again. Always look for the good in your work. You can always find things you like, if you consciously look.
What do you hope people feel when they see your work?
I want people to feel light, joy and calm when they see my work.
What is the best tip you were told early in your career?
To get better at something, it needs to be a habit.
Which artists, past or present, have had the biggest influence on your work?
Vincent VanGogh
How has social media or online platforms influenced your artistic journey?
It has been amazing and inspirational to find community and friends online that are on the same journey. Without my online friends I wouldn’t be where I am.
How do you navigate the moments when an artwork isn’t developing as you imagined?
I pause. Because I know myself enough to realize, I need to pause to do something different to fill my cup. Forcing something when your mind and body aren’t aligned will not bring you results or growth.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Nature, other artists and life
How do you know when a piece is finished?
Still working on this. However, most times I just listen to my brain. If I don’t feel moved to do something, I stop. 🙂
How do you overcome creative blocks?
I go for a walk, look up my favourite artists or do something else to give my brain a break from over focusing.
Is there one Daler-Rowney material you couldn't work without?
Yes! Alizarin Crimson is my favourite watercolour pink.
What is a technique that you haven't tried yet that you would love to try & why?
Combining watercolour with another medium. I’ve always been in awe of mixed media artists. And I would love to take my own advice and just ‘play’ around and experiment. Growth lies outside the comfort zone.
If you could create a piece for anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?
My grand aunt loved flowers and used to create handmade flowers out of cloth. I think she would’ve really enjoyed my art.
What has been your favourite commission to date and why?
A painting I created for a 25 year wedding anniversary for a couple in Australia. I was so honored to create something for folks to commemorate such a special milestone.
What's been your most memorable exhibition or event, and what made it special?
The Tuscany Watercolour Retreat 2024. My very first retreat that I planned and sold out. Having 0 experience in the industry and also being denied by the big companies like Trovatrip etc made this such a success in my eyes.
What's been the proudest moment of your artistic career so far?
Being asked to author a book – Paint 50 Watercolour Nature. I never imagined I would ever do a book.
What does your creative process usually look like from initial idea to finished artwork?
I usually paint whatever comes to my mind when I sit down for some me time painting. If I am being intentional, I first look for inspiration – flowers, composition and movement. Once I have that locked in, I look at exploring colours. Then I sit down to paint.
If you weren't an artist, what do you think you'd be doing?
I’d be in marketing, travel or coaching. I love travel and new experiences. I also love watching things grow and build.
When did your love of art start? Did you always want to be an artist?
I’ve always enjoyed drawing and painting as a child. Creating things like cards and such out of candy wrappers. My creative side has always been something that shines in my life.
How would you describe your artistic style in three words?
Pretty, romantic, loose
What would be your advice for new artists just starting up?
Learn to have fun during your practice. Be brave to step outside your comfort zone when trying things. It’s just a piece of paper, so you can always try it again. Always look for the good in your work. You can always find things you like, if you consciously look.
Products Used
Aquafine Watercolour 48 Half Pan Studio Set
FW Pearlescent Acrylic Ink
FW Acrylic Ink
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Watercolours
Aquafine Watercolour 48 Half Pan Studio Set
This Aquafine Watercolour Set provides artists with a complete palette of 48 half-pan colours, including silver and gold, plus an Aquafine brush in a plastic case. These free-flowing, vibrant, and transparent watercolours deliver excellent lightfastness (mostly rated 3 to 4 stars) and are ideal for creating delicate washes with superb brilliance and mixing ability. The […]LEARN MORE -
Inks
FW Pearlescent Acrylic Ink
FW Pearlescent Inks are pigmented, water-resistant acrylic inks with a shimmering formula that adds a sparkling touch to any artwork. Suitable for a variety of surfaces, these inks deliver high shine and translucency, making them ideal for decorative arts such as greetings cards, mounts, and frames, as well as for adding dazzling effects to paintings […]LEARN MORE -
Inks
FW Acrylic Ink
FW Acrylic Inks are pigmented, water-resistant artists’ inks known for their high lightfastness and excellent intermixability. They can be used straight from the bottle with the included dropper, applied with a brush or airbrush, or diluted to create subtle washes. This versatility allows artists to explore a wide range of techniques, from detailed line work […]LEARN MORE
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