Updated 26th June 2009

                                  A WARM WELCOME TO FRIENDS AND VISITORS FROM HOME AND ABROAD

 

'Cockerel - new workshop'

Welcome to my website. I am a professional artist, and a Professional Associate with the Society for All Artists.  As well as exhibiting my own work, I tutor groups and individual artists in my home studio near Torrington, Devon, and am able to offer workshops, private tuition, courses and art breaks.  I specialise in animals in pastel.  Please click on the menu to view my Gallery, and for information on Commissions, Gifts, Art Breaks, Workshops, E-workshops and Private Lessons.

 For latest news and plans, please visit my Events page.

                        ****Important note - E-mails****

While my email system is normally quite reliable and efficient, it seems that occasional incoming emails are not getting through.   As some of my regular clients will know, I am often up into the small hours making sure that their e-mails are replied to promptly, usually well within twenty four hours.  If anyone hasn't had a reply to their email within forty eight hours, please try again, or give me a ring on 01769 560200.  My apologies for any inconvenience. 

Unfortunately, or perhaps I should say fortunately, I am getting more and more busy and time just seems to go nowhere.  As I need to make use of available daylight hours I am having to leave detailed replies to emails until later in the day.  Paul and I will still be checking the emails throughout the day, and there won't be any delay in sending out stage instructions for e-workshops, but the "brainwork" (as Paul calls it) will have to wait till evening.  Thank you for your patience. 

                                            ****New- Private Lessons for Groups****

                              ****New- Develop Your Techniques for Commissions****

For further details, please go to my Private Lessons page.

                                                      ****Courses and Art Breaks****

Most of my current courses are now booked up, and my Pet Portrait courses seem to be filling up as soon as I put them on!  I have recently added some more, there are still a few places free on these, and some more on my one day home studio workshops.  I also have a new Art Break scheduled for 25th to 27th August with two places remaining.  If you are interested, please confirm your booking a.s.a.p to avoid disappointment. For convenience, all my teaching dates are grouped together on my Workshop Dates page. 

 If you can get a party of at least three artists together and would like to discuss a course or workshop for a date or dates to suit you, please let me know and I will see what I can arrange.

                                      ****Exhibitions****

'Exmoor Pony'

I have a selection of originals and prints available through Eggesford Studio and at the Salar Gallery, Hatherleigh.  Do have a look at their websites at www.eggesford-studio.co.uk and www.salargallery.co.uk (click "Past Exhibitions" link).  The prints at Salar Gallery all but sold out in the run up to Christmas, but a fresh selection is now on display.  I have also been asked to put on an exhibition in the Autumn, further details will be posted nearer the time.  I also have some originals for sale through Gallerie Marin at Appledore, North Devon (new website under construction).

                                                                               ****Latest news****

'Calf workshop'

I have had some great fun recently trying out my new set of oil pastels, and have been surprised at their versatility and the extra deptth that they can give to a painting.  Later this year I will be adding some further workshop subjects using this medium, so if oil pastels are your thing please keep an eye on my Workshops page.

My Calf mixed media workshop, which appeared in the March edition of the Society for All Artists' "Paint" magazine, is now available as an e-mail and postal workshop.  Please see my E-workshops page for details.  The May issue of Paint features a sunny cockerel, and this too will shortly be available in e-workshop format.  July edition of Paint will be out in a few days, and my subject is a warm and contented cat - in keeping with our recent good weather.   

 "Paint" is sent out  free every two months to SAA members - if you would like information on the benefits of SAA membership, you can contact them at www.saa.co.uk.  For further details see my Links page.

                                                       ****Workshops by post and e-mail****

I am always adding more subjects to my e-mail and postal tuition courses, which are proving very popular with those who find travel too costly or time consuming.   I am sending an increasing number of these workshops abroad, in particular to Europe and the USA, and those visiting this site from the United States might like to have a look at Kay Witt's lovely wolf in my Students' Gallery.  Kay is a professional artist based in Virginia, and her work can be seen on her website at www.sleepingdogart.com.  She can also be contacted via my Links page.

Hopefully we will get a summer this year, but if the weather isn't too good, or if you just aren't an outdoor person, these courses are an ideal opportunity to develop your aristic skills in the comfort of your own home.   If you are interested in postal or e-mail workshops, please refer to my E-workshops page. 

                                                        ****Pet Portrait Course****

Now into its second year, I am offering my specialised two day Pet Portrait course to show you how to make the most of the lucrative pet portrait market.  These courses are ideal for anyone who has an interest in art and is looking for ways to make it pay, or who just wants to produce a stunning image of their own pet with a little help. 

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist wishing to develop your skills, you will find this course invaluable - and remember, learning can be fun!  Full details are on my Pet Portrait Courses page.

****New - Wildlife Option****     If you would prefer to paint a wildlife subject on one of

'Meerkat - workshop image'

my Pet Portrait courses please let me know.  The format of the course is the same, and I can "mix and match" pets and wildlife on the same course without any problem.    

This is a two day course, and runs from 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. each day.  The cost will be £150 per person, to include light refreshments, plus cost of optional packed lunch.  Places are limited to three artists on each course to ensure individual tuition. 

Due to pressure of work I am limited in the number of courses that I can put on.  Most are now booked up, but if you are interested in one of the remaining places please ring or email for details.

                                   ****New - Pet Portrait courses by post and email****

I have redesigned my distance learing version of this course to make it even easier for you to produce a beautiful image of that special friend.  My Pet Portrait Courses page has the details.

                                                     ****Students' Gallery****

As you can see, this site includes a Students' Gallery where artists can display an example of work which they have completed with me, along with a descriptive/informative text. 

 I am very proud of what these artists have achieved - please have a look and see what you think. 

Happy painting!

Vivien