Desjardins, Claire

Claire Desjardins is an award-winning abstract painter who comes from a long line of artists and grew up in Montreal, Canada. She worked for many years as a graphic designer, ensconced in a life of technology and marketing. In 2011, she gave up a regular pay cheque to pursue her love of painting full time. She now has a studio 1 hour north of Montreal and is represented by galleries in Canada and the United States. Claire is launching her Claire Desjardins by Carré Noir collection of women’s apparel in early 2019, which are being sold in about 500 boutiques across North America. She also sells her original artworks on her website.
One of 6 artists selected by Microsoft, Claire designed skins especially for the launch of the high-end device, the Microsoft Surface. She also collaborated with US retail chain, Urban Outfitters, which sells her original artwork under their Anthropology banner, online as well as in their New York, Chicago, and Montreal stores. They reproduce her artwork on merchandise and sell it under the Claire Desjardins signature label. Claire’s work has also appeared in major motion pictures and popular television shows.
Claire has taught painting workshops in Canada and in the US, and juried national art competitions. She has been interviewed by CityTV, CBC, The Montreal Gazette, The Ottawa Citizen, Magazin’ Art, and a number of other art magazines, among other publications. Her work appears regularly on blogs, including Design for Mankind, ArtFinder, Moco Loco, Design Milk and Saatchi Art’s online magazine. She was a contributor to a couple of “how to” books: Art Inc., by Lisa Congdon, and Acrylic Painting Mediums and Methods, by Rhéni Tauchid.
In an effort to give back, Claire regularly participates in charitable events. She has live-painted on stage with the likes of Randy Bachman and Blue Rodeo, and Styx, where she donated 100% of the proceeds to charity. In the wake of Hurricane Maria and Irma, Claire created a series of paintings that she sold, and she gave 100% of the money to help those affected by the storms.
Her work can be found in both private and corporate collections around the world.