Vivien Walters

Exmoor Pony Art Spectrum Colorfix

Shetland Pony Hahnemuhle velour paper

Night Watch Hahnemuhle velour paper

Otters Hahnemuhle velour paper

Artist Statement

 I am a professional artist based in Devon, England, specialising in animals in pastel and mixed media.  For many years I produced artwork for the giftware industry, as well as undertaking commissions and exhibiting my work.  Some of my more recent images are available as limited edition prints through Buckingham Fine Art Publishers.

A lot of my time nowadays is devoted to tuition, and I began using oil pastels as some of my students had problems with the dust caused by soft pastels.  I was delighted with the depth of colour afforded, and the ease of use particularly for glazing techniques.  The possibilities seem endless, and I will continue to experiment with this wonderful medium.

 I run a variety of courses in my home studio, and I have also developed a range of email and postal workshops.  A selection of my originals, prints and cards is on display in a number of galleries throughout England, and my work has been exhibited and sold at the National Exhibition of Wildlife Art.

Animals have always been an important inspiration for my work, not only my own cats and dogs, but also the many abandoned cats and kittens that I have fostered for an animal rescue charity.  My paintings range from commissioned portraits of my clients’ beloved animals through to wildlife, including the animals native to nearby Exmoor and Dartmoor.

I like to be able to read the expression in an animal’s eyes so that I can capture its character in my painting, and I find that pastels in particular are ideal for reproducing the subtle textures of hair and fur.

More of my work can be seen on my website at www.vivienwalters.co.uk.

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Copyright 2011. No use of images are allowed without the expressed  written consent of the artist.