Claire Bistline

...pastels & oils.

Though I was born in Bonners Ferry, I have lived in Sandpoint, Idaho, most of my life. I am primarily a self-taught artist but have had instruction from Zoltan Szabo and Robert Grogan.

My husband and I discovered Ajo in 1997 and were immediately taken with the beauty of the Sonoran desert and the simple charm of the Spanish-style town. We enjoy spending the winter here. I've worked with the Ajo Schools Arts Partnership for four years, putting local artists together with elementary and middle-school classes for instruction in various mediums.

Currently I am working in oils and pastels. I love the vibrant colors I can achieve with these mediums. Color is my passion and my primary subject-the landscapes and portraits that result are secondary.

Much of my inspiration comes from the pristine and unpopulated environments that I live in. My goal is to share that feeling of simplicity and beauty with those who view my art.