Claire Payne is a Vermont-based wildlife artist, photographer, and commercial designer. Her work is driven by a lifelong connection to nature and a passion for conservation. With a background in both fine art and visual communication, Claire brings a distinctive blend of technical skill and emotional resonance to her paintings.

Her wildlife art—known for its vibrant color, bold brushwork, and fine detail—has been exhibited in galleries, festivals, and public spaces across Vermont. Drawing directly from time spent in the field, Claire’s work reflects the energy and individuality of her animal subjects, often highlighting species native to the region.

In addition to her studio practice, Claire is an active advocate for environmental stewardship. She serves as a board member for the Friends of Missisquoi Wildlife Refuge and regularly hosts plein air events and open studio days to engage her community with art and nature.

As both a painter and photographer, she spends time observing animals in their natural habitats. These field experiences are at the core of her creative process. Striving to capture more than just likeness— she wants to portray the spirit, the tension, and the quiet power of the creatures she studies. As an advocate, she hopes to engage viewers not only with beauty, but with meaning - offering a visual reminder of the wild spaces and species we stand to lose, and the responsibility we share in preserving them.

Claire lives in Vermont with her husband, Joe, and continues to find inspiration in the landscapes, wildlife, and changing seasons of the Northeast.