My name's Claire, I am retired and I live in south-west Spain, on the edge of the Alcornocales natural park.

I took painting lessons when I moved here in 2008.  It's a wonderfully absorbing way to fill those lazy summer days when it's too hot to go out exploring the countryside.

I've always had cats for company, and love to paint them.  You can see some examples of my work on my Flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/alcalaina/sets/72157612051136622/

Sadly our own Spanish native wildcat, the Iberian lynx, is down to single figures and not found in my area, but there are a couple of excellent breeding programmes with the aim of reintroducing them into the wild.  I was shocked to discover that the beautiful Scottish wildcat was also nearly extinct and am delighted to have an opportunity to support this project.

If you would like to buy an artwork or print from this page please email. Let me know which picture you are interested in, mention HAVEN and I will donate the stated percentage of the price to help the Wildcats.