Meet Clara Clough, the creative heart behind Clara Clough Art, a brand that celebrates the charm of New England with every pastel-hued brushstroke. Based in Cape Cod, Clara’s work spans ski-scapes, towering nutcrackers, and even five-foot-long wooden whale cutouts, blending timeless coastal inspiration with her unique, playful style. Her pieces reflect a deep love for art, a passion that’s been with her since childhood, and her endless fascination with the beauty of her surroundings.
Clara’s journey into the world of art is as colorful as her creations. From early days at art camps to an unexpected epiphany during a tech internship, her path has been anything but ordinary. Let’s dive into her story and learn how Clara brings her vision to life, one joyful creation at a time.
First things first—where did the business/brand name come from? What was the inspiration for choosing it?
“I went with my name because I like the alliteration of the C, and I don’t know many other people with either my first or last name!” Clara shares with a laugh. Using her name keeps her brand personal and unique—just like her art.
What inspired you to start your own business?
“I’ve always loved art and finding ways to express myself creatively, but it wasn’t until I interned at a tech startup that I realized I was in the wrong world. That experience made me apply to art school and pursue what I really wanted. I started my Instagram account to connect with other artists, but it ended up becoming my main sales platform!” For Clara, what began as a simple outlet quickly grew into something much bigger.
How would you describe your style or aesthetic?
“Grandmillennial maximalist with a folksy twist,” she explains. “I love pastel colors, and my subjects range from ski-scapes to nutcrackers to wooden whales. It’s fun to explore new ideas while keeping that cohesive, whimsical vibe.”
Clara’s aesthetic is as distinctive as her story—a blend of nostalgia, experimentation, and coastal charm. It’s no wonder her art feels like a breath of fresh sea air.
How has the sites and scenes of New England influenced your brand?
“I grew up here, so New England’s beauty is a huge part of who I am,” Clara says. “The beaches, mountains, colonial architecture—it all inspires me. The seasons alone provide so much creative fuel. I couldn’t imagine living or creating anywhere else.”
Her love for her home shines through in her work, giving each piece a sense of place that resonates deeply with her audience.
What is your New England or Coastal Happy Place?
“It’s so hard to pick just one! Cape Cod is home, but I also love Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Stowe, Vermont. I got engaged in Edgartown and am getting married in Stowe, so they’re both extra special,” she shares.
Clara’s perfect day on the Cape involves breakfast at Amie Bakery, shopping at Melange, a long beach day, and a walk with her dog. It’s a life as vibrant and breezy as her art.
What’s inspiring you creatively right now?
“Winter and the holidays! I love everything about this time of year—skiing, Christmas, Hanukkah. It’s all so festive and joyful, and that’s the feeling I want to bring to my work. But New England’s dreary March-May stretch? That’s when inspiration is a little harder to come by!”
What’s been the greatest reward of running your own business?
“Having the freedom to pivot when something isn’t working or lean into what’s catching on. That flexibility is everything to me,” Clara says.
And the greatest challenge?
“Growth hasn’t been linear. It’s a learning curve to figure out what resonates with people—what they actually want to buy versus what I love to create. But that’s the balance of art and design. Art is for yourself; design is for others.”
Clara’s honesty about the ups and downs of her creative business makes her story relatable to anyone following their passions.
What’s your dream project or collaboration?
“I’ve had the chance to collaborate with some amazing people already—Michele from Coastal Brahmin and the team at Mélange were both dream projects. But I’d love to work with Hill House someday. A print design collaboration with them would be incredible!”
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Haste makes waste,” Clara says. “Taking my time has made all the difference in creating work I’m proud of. And I’ll never forget Julia Powell telling me to throw away my bad art. It was taking up space in my studio and my head. Letting go of it created room for better things to happen.”
Clara’s journey is a beautiful blend of passion, creativity, and connection. From whimsical nutcrackers to iconic New England landscapes, her work is a love letter to the life she’s built and the region she calls home.
Explore Clara’s world and find joy in her creations at claracloughart.com or follow her on Instagram @claraclough_art
Clara’s Happy Place: Cape Cod
Clara’s heart is firmly anchored in the beauty and charm of Cape Cod. Here’s a glimpse into her favorite spots and traditions in her coastal happy place:
Favorite Beach:
- South Cape Beach, New Seabury
Go-To Spots for Food & Drink:
- Breakfast/Brunch: Amie Bakery, Osterville
- Lunch: ACK Goia
- Dinner: The Pheasant, Dennis
- Bar: Thoreau’s, Wequassett Resort
- Grab & Go: Mashpee Fresh Market
Favorite Treat:
- Ice Cream Spot: Smitty’s
- Flavor: Black Raspberry Oreo Yogurt
Best for People-Watching:
- The Raw Bar, New Seabury
Traditions & Special Spots:
- Annual Tradition: Picking out a Christmas tree at Mahoney’s in Osterville
- Favorite Sunset Spot: South Cape Beach
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Land Ho
Perfect for Date Night:
- Trevi, Mashpee Commons
A Meal She Always Comes Back For:
- Chicken Salad on a Croissant from Bleu
Hidden Gem:
- Ropes Beach, Cotuit
Clara’s love for Cape Cod’s laid-back charm and rich traditions shines through in her art—and her daily life. Whether it’s a beach day or a stroll through her favorite shops, her happy place is filled with inspiration and coastal magic.
