Award-winning artist Richard Clare is known for his colourful and dynamic paintings of the landscape of Northern England, urban Manchester, Tuscany and the French Riviera.

In 2006, Richard and his family moved to Barga, a medieval hilltop town in Northern Tuscany. However, he makes several trips a year back to his studio in England to paint.

'Living in a Mediterranean climate, like many of the French Impressionists I am inspired by the effects of light. My colour-blindness, which I consider an asset rather than a handicap, also plays an important role in the way I approach colour in my work. As I cannot perceive colours in the same way as most people, rather than limiting my palette I give colour free rein in my paintings. And although the style of my work varies, from expressive, abstract mark making to observational, painterly brush strokes, it is the use of vibrant colour that dominates my paintings. Even my night scenes are not just black, dark works. Vibrant white and yellow light reflects on wet pavements and Venetian canals - there is colour everywhere and even if there is none, I use my imagination!'