Art by Clarissa Pollack

My style is heavily influenced by nature and the beauty of the world around us. I strive to capture the essence of my subjects and bring them to life on canvas, paper, or whatever material presents itself at the right moment (the painting above was created on the back of a cereal box).

I was awarded a National Merit scholarship at The University of Texas at Dallas, where my motto was, I'm going to take whatever classes I'm interested in. My genuine curiosity led me to the School of Arts and Humanities, where the student-driven degree program allowed me to take a wide variety of classes ranging from Chinese literature to sculpture to ballet. Many classes focusing on the historical and social significance of the arts deepened my appreciation for and understanding of visual and performing arts, which I am forever grateful for. After graduation I studied formal oil painting with the Milan Art Institute. 

I took a hiatus from creating art to bear and raise my children (when I lamented the lack of art creation in my life to my yoga teacher, Dr. Uma Dinsmore-Tuil, she reassured me that my creative powers were not lost, they were being redirected-- "You're creating children!"). Now my children are older and motherhood feels spacious enough for art to re-enter, which feels like a decadent blessing. 

Today I experiment with many mediums and techniques including watercolor, ink, and, oil, and  charcoal.