Jacqueline Clarisse is a passionate self-taught artist whose work celebrates the beauty, elegance, and emotional depth of animals. From a very young age, she was naturally drawn to drawing and sketching, particularly animals. What began as a childhood interest gradually grew into a meaningful artistic journey that continues to evolve today.
Her early fascination with animals was deeply influenced by her family environment. Jacqueline’s father was a breeder of Bouvier des Flandres and Doberman dogs, and growing up surrounded by these remarkable animals left a lasting impression on her. Observing their strength, loyalty, and distinct personalities sparked her curiosity and admiration. This close connection to dogs became the foundation of her artistic inspiration, shaping the direction of her work for years to come.
Rather than pursuing formal academic training in art, Jacqueline developed her skills independently. Through observation, dedication, and constant practice, she refined her ability to capture the form, movement, and character of animals. Being self-taught allowed her to develop a personal and authentic style that focuses on emotional connection rather than strict technical conventions.
Specializing in Sighthound Portraiture
While Jacqueline enjoys portraying many types of animals, she has developed a particular specialization in sighthound portraits. Sighthounds are known for their elegance, slender physiques, and graceful movement, making them fascinating subjects for artistic interpretation. Their refined silhouettes, expressive eyes, and noble posture provide endless inspiration.
Jacqueline herself is the proud owner of a whippet, a breed that perfectly embodies the elegance and sensitivity she loves to portray. Her personal relationship with her dog has given her a deep understanding of the breed’s personality and behavior. This familiarity allows her to depict sighthounds not only with accuracy but also with emotional authenticity.
Her artwork focuses on highlighting the individuality of each animal. Through careful attention to expression, posture, and subtle details, she seeks to reveal the spirit behind the physical form. In Jacqueline’s portraits, animals appear alive, expressive, and emotionally engaging.
Art with Purpose: Supporting Greyhound Rescue
Beyond artistic expression, Jacqueline’s work also reflects her compassion for animals and her desire to contribute positively to their welfare. One of her pastel portraits of a greyhound was used to create prints that helped support the Association Central Ohio Greyhound Rescue. By offering these prints, she combined her artistic talent with a charitable cause, helping raise awareness and support for rescued greyhounds.
This initiative highlights how art can serve not only as a creative outlet but also as a meaningful way to support communities and causes that matter deeply to the artist. Jacqueline’s connection to dogs makes this mission especially personal and sincere.
Recognition and Artistic Achievements
Although Jacqueline began as a self-taught artist, her dedication and growing expertise have earned her recognition within the art community. Through years of practice and careful observation, she has developed a refined ability to portray animals with both realism and emotional depth.
One of the most prestigious recognitions in her career was being selected as a semi-finalist in the 15th Art Competition of the Art Renewal Center. The Art Renewal Center is internationally known for promoting excellence in representational and classical art. Being chosen as a semi-finalist in such a competitive international competition represents an important milestone in Jacqueline’s artistic journey and highlights the quality and emotional strength of her work.
In addition to this recognition, Jacqueline has received other awards for her artwork that can be viewed on her website. These achievements reflect the appreciation her work receives from both judges and art lovers who share her admiration for animals.
Beyond Dogs: Exploring the Beauty of the Animal Kingdom
While sighthounds hold a special place in Jacqueline’s artistic focus, her creativity is not limited to one species. She enjoys portraying many different animals, each presenting unique visual qualities and emotional expressions.
Among her favorite subjects are Arabian horses, admired for their grace, intelligence, and striking physical presence. Their flowing manes, powerful forms, and expressive eyes provide endless artistic inspiration. Jacqueline is also drawn to wolves, animals that symbolize both wild beauty and quiet strength.
For Jacqueline, each animal carries its own story and personality. She approaches every portrait with curiosity and respect, seeking to capture the subtle characteristics that make each subject unique. Whether it is the noble gaze of a horse or the mysterious intensity of a wolf, she strives to portray animals in a way that reflects their true spirit.
The Power of Pastel as a Medium
Jacqueline’s preferred medium is pastel, a choice that perfectly complements her artistic vision. Pastel allows for rich color, delicate blending, and exceptional detail, making it ideal for rendering fur, light, and expression.
Her work combines several high-quality materials, including Unison and Rembrandt pastel sticks, Faber Castell Pitt Pastels, Stabilo Carbothello, and Caran d’Ache pastel pencils. These tools allow her to layer colors and textures to achieve depth and realism.
Pastel is particularly effective for animal portraiture because it can capture the softness of fur, the brightness of eyes, and the subtle shifts in color that give life to a portrait. Jacqueline carefully builds layers of pigment to create realistic yet expressive surfaces that draw viewers into the image.
A Portrait of Fergus: Art Inspired by Love
One of Jacqueline’s most personal works is a pastel portrait of her beloved whippet, Fergus. Measuring 50 x 70 cm and created on Pastelmat paper, the artwork represents not only a technical achievement but also a heartfelt tribute to a cherished companion.
Fergus serves as both muse and family member, embodying the elegance and charm that Jacqueline admires in sighthounds. Through her pastel technique, she captures the gentle expression and graceful form that make the breed so distinctive.
Like many whippets, Fergus enjoys moments of energy and relaxation in equal measure. When he is not running freely on the beach, a place where his natural speed and agility shine, his favorite spot is the sofa at home. This contrast between dynamic movement and quiet comfort reflects the personality Jacqueline seeks to portray in her art.
Conveying Emotion Through the Eyes
At the heart of Jacqueline Clarisse’s artistic philosophy is a simple yet powerful goal: to convey the emotion and personality of each animal she portrays. For her, the most important element of a portrait lies in the eyes and attitude of the subject.
The eyes reveal the inner character of an animal. Whether it is loyalty, curiosity, calmness, or strength, these qualities can be communicated through careful observation and artistic sensitivity. By focusing on expression and posture, Jacqueline creates portraits that feel intimate and authentic.
Her work invites viewers to pause and connect with the animals she depicts. Rather than presenting animals as distant subjects, she portrays them as individuals with their own presence and spirit.
Continuing the Journey
Jacqueline Clarisse continues to explore and expand her artistic practice, always seeking new subjects and creative challenges. While dogs remain central to her work, her curiosity about the wider animal world ensures that her artistic journey remains dynamic and evolving.
Through her pastel portraits, she celebrates the beauty, dignity, and individuality of animals while sharing the deep emotional connections they inspire in our lives. Her art stands as both a tribute to the animals she loves and a reminder of the quiet power of observation, patience, and passion in the creative process.
