Returning to Nature, Devon – Original Oil Painting by Clare Jenkinson

There is something deeply moving about seeing nature quietly reclaim what was once man-made.

In Returning to Nature, Devon, local artist Clare Jenkinson captures the beauty of the Marie Claire, a boat that spent many years moored on the canal in Exeter. Weathered by time and the elements, the vessel slowly faded into the landscape, its peeling layers of paint reflected in the still water below. Rather than depicting decline, Clare reveals something far more beautiful — a sense of renewal, history and peaceful acceptance.

Painted in oils using a palette knife, the artwork is rich with texture and movement. Thick layers of paint bring the worn surfaces of the boat to life, while the reflections in the water create a sense of calm and atmosphere. The result is a painting that rewards repeated viewing, revealing new details and subtle colour shifts each time.

The theme of “returning to nature” is one that runs throughout Clare’s work. She is drawn to subjects that tell stories through age, weathering and transformation, finding beauty in places and objects that others might overlook. This painting perfectly reflects that fascination, capturing a fleeting moment where nature and human history intertwine.

Whether you have a connection to Devon, a love of maritime history, or simply appreciate artwork that evokes reflection and emotion, Returning to Nature, Devon makes a beautiful statement piece for your home.

About Clare Jenkinson

Clare Jenkinson is a Devon-based artist whose work is inspired by the natural world, coastal landscapes and the patterns found within nature. Known for her observational skills and expressive use of colour and texture, she exhibits throughout the South West and has shown work at prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Powderham Castle and the Mall Galleries in London. Read more about Clare Jenkinson here

Returning to Nature Devon, Artwork Details

• Original oil painting
• Artist: Clare Jenkinson
• Subject: The Marie Claire, Exeter Canal
• Medium: Oil on board, painted with palette knife techniques
• Professionally framed in natural wood with white inner slip
• Framed size: 650mm x 470mm
• Original one-of-a-kind artwork

A beautiful piece for anyone who finds inspiration in the quiet poetry of nature reclaiming the world around us.