Welcome to Claire Ongley's creative journey. Discover the stories and techniques behind her abstract paintings for sale.
- ongleydesign
- Aug 18
- 2 min read
Welcome to My World
Hello and a very warm welcome to the Claire Ongley blog! I'm thrilled you're here and excited to begin sharing the stories behind my paintings, the creative sparks that drive my work, and the evolving concept of my studio practice.
Who I Am & What I Do: I create abstract paintings for sale. Here's how it started...
My name is Claire Ongley, and I'm a UK-based artist working from both London and Essex. I create abstract paintings for sale ranging from intimate, small-scale works to expansive canvases that explore the interplay of light, colour, and form. Rooted in traditional techniques like imprimatura and glazing but always with a contemporary twist, my process is a dialogue between controlled structure and spontaneous mark-making.
In my work, I juxtapose the unpredictable flow of paint with rehearsed, deliberate marks. Masked areas introduce spontaneity, only to be revealed and contained within intentional composition. Shifts in brushstroke scale, layered perspective, and shimmering gold accents conjure tension, energy, and a sense of theatrical illusion inspired by Baroque methods.
A Snapshot of My Artistic Path
Education & Representation: I studied at the University for the Creative Arts (2009–2010) and Leeds Metropolitan University (2010–2013), followed by advanced training at The London Art Academy in 2015 Since 2013, I’ve been represented by Trowbridge Gallery on London’s Kings Road, Chelsea, where my work continues to find a wider audience.
Exhibitions & Reach: My paintings have journeyed beyond the studio, appearing at international venues such as the International Contemporary Art Fair in Brussels; High Point Market in the USA; exhibitions in Manhattan, Berlin, Madrid, and across Switzerland, even returning to show at the Parallax Art Fair in London, my earlier exhibition platform.
What This Blog Is All About
This blog is your front-row seat to the layers of creativity behind each piece:
Studio Insights: Watch raw materials, sketches, and experimental attempts evolve into finished pieces.
Technique Deep Dives: Explore how traditional painting methods like layering, masking, and glazing bring dynamics of light and form to life.
Inspirational Touch points: Discover the artists, art movements, and visual narratives, like Baroque drama and 1980s postmodernism that spark my imagination.
Invitation to Engage: Whether through comments or direct messages, I hope this space becomes a place to connect with anyone curious about abstract art or creative exploration.
Let’s Get Started
To kick things off, I'll begin to share visuals, technical breakdowns, and the conceptual heartbeat behind my next project in an upcoming post.
Thank you for visiting. I’m excited to have you along on this creative journey. If there’s anything you'd love to see covered, techniques you’re curious about, the meaning behind particular motifs, or behind-the-scenes peeks, drop a comment below or say hello via the contact page!
Until next time,
Claire Ongley
Comments