4 March 2025

The Ethereal Landscapes of Greer Clayton

New Zealand-born artist Greer Clayton invites us into her world through a stunning array of abstract landscapes that resonate with emotion and connection.

Greer Clayton’s works, marked by an immersive magnetism, transcend mere representation, offering viewers a glimpse into the essence of the environments she depicts. Clayton’s artistry captures not just the visual beauty of landscapes but their intrinsic spirit, encouraging observers to project their own memories and feelings onto her paintings.

Greer’s journey as an artist began in her early years and encouraged by a family that enjoyed creative pursuits, in 1996 she went on to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Elam in Auckland, where she refined her vision as a painter. 

Her artistry is deeply informed by travel and the human experience, with each piece reflecting a story that goes beyond what meets the eye. Greer’s abstract landscapes are not bound by topographical accuracy; instead, they evoke the mood and feeling of places she has encountered, allowing viewers to lose themselves in the atmospheric qualities of her work. The paintings resonate with a sense of familiarity, almost as if they hold the echoes of memories waiting to be recalled.

In 2011 Greer relocated to Australia for several years, settling in Sydney where she continued to paint while embracing the rich design culture of the vibrant city. She maintained her connection to New Zealand, drawing inspiration from the landscapes of her homeland and her new surroundings.

Returning to Auckland, in 2013 she joined the stable of artists at Parnell Gallery and has been represented there since, exhibiting  her artworks annually. In recent bodies of work and her current practice, Greer explores themes of “longing” and “sense of place,” capturing the emotional landscapes that inform our experiences. Each painting becomes a canvas for viewers to explore their own narratives, offering a space where memories and emotions converge.

Her nuanced use of colour and light creates a dreamlike quality, inviting contemplation and introspection. Greer’s latest works highlight her ability to convey luminosity and atmosphere through layered strokes and subtle tonal variations. The interplay of shadow and light is carefully crafted, resulting in compositions that feel alive while evoking a sense of serenity. These pieces don’t just depict the landscape; they transport viewers, allowing them to drift into the scenes and feel a sense of connection to the natural world. 

Advocating for conservation, Greer’s passion for the environment is evident in her art. Her collaboration with Pure Salt and the Tamatea Dusky Sound Restoration Project demonstrates her commitment to preserving New Zealand’s natural beauty. The paintings inspired by her journeys to remote Fiordland during a residency serve as a testament to the impact these pristine landscapes have on her work and the importance of protecting them for future generations.

Greer’s art is a celebration of connection–to the land, to each other, and to our shared experiences. In her hands, abstraction becomes a powerful means of storytelling, encouraging us to see beyond the surface and engage with the emotional resonance of the world around us. Through her landscapes, we are invited to explore the depths of our memories and the beauty of nature, creating a lasting dialogue that transcends the canvas.

Greer Clayton offers a refreshing reminder of the simple yet profound connections that bind us to the earth. Her paintings, infused with a sense of place and emotion, are gateways to a world where beauty, memory, and the human experience converge. 

With regular releases, new suites of work, and exhibitions, Greer Clayton’s work is available through Parnell Gallery who have represented this talented artist since 2013.

Parnell Gallery is located at 263 Parnell Road in Auckland, contact the gallery for availability and to receive updates and notifications about new work from Greer.

Visit Parnell Gallery online to view more of Greer Clayton’s work.