Emerging Artists | Adam Clague - Southwest Art Magazine

Adam Clague, Knitter’s Gift, oil, 30 x 30.

This story was featured in the January 2017 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art January 2017 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

Adam Clague took his first stab at creating art from life when he was 12 years old. He assembled a group of soda cans, illustrated his tableau in colored pencil, and titled it POP ART. “This,” says the painter, “may have been the beginning of my love for capturing subjects from life.”

Clague, who completed his graduate studies in fine art at Pensacola Christian College and today lives in Missouri, describes his painting style as impressionistic realism; his goal is to “faithfully” capture the essence of his subject, whether it’s the iridescent, gold-veined wings of a cicada, an outcropping of smooth stones along a river, or a child draped in a billowy blanket, earnestly dishing up a spoonful of whipped cream. “I find beauty and inspiration from all aspects of God’s creation,” says Clague, “but my favorite subjects are portraits and figurative scenes.”

: Adam Clague, Jenna, oil, 28 x 22.

: Adam Clague, Kettle and Carnations, oil, 10 x 10.

: Adam Clague, Babysitters, oil, 18 x 24.

: Adam Clague, Cicada, oil, 4 x 4.

: Adam Clague, David, oil, 17 x 14.

: Adam Clague, Feedin’ Time, oil, 20 x 24.

KNITTER’S GIFT typifies the artist’s painterly approach to realism. The oil, which took Best of Show at the American Impressionist Society’s national exhibition in 2016, depicts a girl clad in white and backlit by golden sunlight. Knitting needles dangle from her practiced fingers, and balls of colorful yarn unravel in loose strands across her lap—part of the artist’s goal “to create a flowing rhythm.”

“My creative process begins when I remember to open my eyes and look for beauty,” says Clague. He hopes those who view his work will open their eyes, too, he says, “and be encouraged to find beauty in abundance.” See Clague’s work at Hudson Fine Art and Framing, Hudson, OH; Ward & Ward Fine Art Framing and Gallery, Kansas City, MO; Gallery Augusta, Augusta, MO; and www.adamclague.com. —Kim Agricola