"His paintings are like a vehicle for the imagination, a place the mind can rest or stray a while".
(International Artists Magazine Dec 98)

Ivan Clarke is an artist that needs no introduction to many. A painter recognised as one of New Zealand's foremost in the European tradition. His paintings portray special luminous qualities. The range of artistic expression in his paintings extend from dramatic compositions of light and dark to subtle veils of atmosphere and colour harmonies—distinguished by fine draughtsmanship.

His subjects are varied from the grandeur of New Zealand's landscapes, to vibrant floral scenes and contemplative figurative studies. He is most known for his dramatic landscapes of the majestic mountains and rainforests of his homeland New Zealand.

Ivan is a second generation artist who began his artistic endeavour at age 11. He was encouraged into the world of fine art by his parents. With a background in commercial art, Ivan relinquished his commercial art career to pursue fine-art. Ivan's work has earned him a reputation internationally. Much of his inspiration is received from 19th century greats such as Claude Monet, and Albert Bierstadt.

Ivan's name regularly appears among the top New Zealand investment artists. He has also been promoted in 'American Art and Antiques' magazine who call him "the new Hudson River master", comparing him with the masters of the mid nineteenth century luminist movement where the artists were known for their magnificent powerful canvases of "grand scale." Most of these masters emerged from the famed Hudson River School.

Ivan has found his large canvases to be in great demand, with numerous invitations to exhibit them from around the world. It has become apparent that large paintings epitomizing the traditional, in French gilt frames are not so easy to come by these days.

Ivan's work is represented by a respected chain of dealer galleries in the USA and New Zealand, he has also participated in a number of successful one-man shows and receptions.