George Clare lived and died in Barnet, Hertfordshire ‑ although it is known that he spent some time (during the 1860's) in Birmingham ‑ evidenced by the fact that his address is given as 173, Bristol Street, Birmingham for the paintings he exhibited during the 1860's. As to George's artistic training, one is not sure, however, his technique ‑ a delicate stippling ‑ is derived from William Hunt.
Through his stippling technique, Clare was able to capture the beauty of nature ‑ giving life and individualize each aspect of the painting.
George exhibited his first works in 1864 ‑ exhibiting at the Royal Academy #356 Plums, etc.; the British Institution ‑ #395 Camellia, etc. and at the Royal Society of British Artists ‑ #410 Grapes, plums, etc. and #741 Camellias &c.. He would continue to exhibit his works till 1874.
Two of George's sons ‑ Oliver and Vincent ‑ were also artists and became quite famous for their still life and flower paintings.
References:
Johnson, J., The Royal Society of British Artists: 1824 - 1893, Antique
Collectors Club, 1975, pgs. 87-88.
Johnson, J. & Greutzner, A., The Dictionary of British Artists: 1880-1940,
Antique Collectors Club, 1976, pg. 107.
Maas, Jeremy, Victorian Painters, Barrie & Rockleff, The Cresset Press,
London, 1969, pg. 173.
Mitchell, Peter, Great Flower Painters: Four Centuries of Floral Art, George
Rainbird, Ltd., London, 1973, pg. 89-90 (ill).
Pavière, Sydney H., A Dictionary of Flower, Fruit, and Still Life Painters, F. Lewis,
Ltd., England, 1964, pg. 29 (ill.).
Waters, Grant M., Dictionary of British Artists Working 1900 - 1950,
Eastbourne Fine Art Publishers, England, 1975, pgs. 65-66.
Wood, Christopher, The Dictionary of Victorian Painters, Antique Collectors Club,
England, 1978, pg. 91 (ill).