"Absolutely brilliant, and fired me up again!" - Sandy Sharpe, Umberleigh

"As an absolute beginner, I heartily recommend Vivien's art class as an introduction to pastels" - Tony Warren, Somerton

"Thank you for my first session, it was just what I have been looking for.  People have been surprised my pony was so good!" - Cath Pedley, Torrington

'Workshop in Home Studio'

Why not come and join one of our painting groups?  All abilities are catered for, as class sizes are kept small enough to ensure individual tuition.  Beginners can learn how to use pastels, while more experienced artists can learn new ideas and techniques.

There is always a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.  Workshops have a "follow my leader" format, to make it easy to build up your picture and bring your animal subject to life.

Workshops are run from my poolside studio at home near Torrington, Devon, and in the village hall at Filleigh, near Barnstaple. Filleigh Village Hall is a bright and spacious venue, set in a very attractive location opposite the extensive and picturesque grounds of the Castle Hill Estate. The village of Filleigh lies close to the A361 North Devon link road, just past South Molton.

'Exmoor Pony'

The workshops are of four and a half hours duration. Students are provided with a pre-drawn image, and all materials are supplied. Beginners are welcome. Light refreshments will be provided, but please bring a packed lunch. Cost of each workshop is £35.00 per person (£40.00 from January 2009). Consecutive Home Studio workshops can be booked individually or together.

For those who have difficulty taking time off work, some of these workshops will take place on a Saturday afternoon. Please refer to next page for dates.

A special thanks to Devon artist Val Thomas, who came to a recent workshop and painted a beautiful picture of a pheasant.  She has very kindly photographed her handywork in progress, and posted it on her web pages at homeleightigger.blogspot.com, (select "Blog Archives").  Please do have a look at Val's lovely creations with textiles, and feel free to leave a comment.

                                                             ****E-mail and postal workshops****

I also offer my workshops as email and postal courses due to demand from people who live too far away to attend my workshops.  Please refer to my E-workshops page for further details.

Each e-mail workshop is self contained, and the cost is £27.50 for each subject, inclusive of £2.50 p&p.     If a postal workshop is preferred then the cost of these are £30.00 for each subject, to cover the additional cost of printing and posting.

                                                                ****New - Students' Gallery****

I have now added a Students' Gallery to my website for students to submit an image for display from classes, courses or private tuition.  Please click on the link and have a look.

                                             ****New- Two Day Course - Learn to Paint Pet Portraits****

"I had a great time, and can't believe I produced those wonderful paintings" - Tracy Barker, Crediton                                                        

 I am now offering a specialised two day course to show you how to benefit from the lucrative pet portrait market.  I have had 35 years of taking commissions for clients' pets, from dogs and cats to horses, ferrets, birds and even a cheetah.  On this two day course I will be giving you essential tips on all aspects of pet portraiture, from photography and drawing out through to the final stage of producing a stunning finished image.  Whether you are a beginner, or an experienced artist wishing to develop your skills, you will find this course invaluable.  The following topics will be covered:

* Photography

* Choice of paper

* Design and composition

* Drawing out

* Choice of pastels

* Different approaches to painting your image

* Presentation

* Marketing suggestions

 Once you book in, I will send you a set of course notes, including notes on photography showing you how to take the best possible photograph of your favourite animal - this is the essential first step to producing a good finished portrait.  I will then help you to select the best photograph for you to work from on the course itself. 

I will be giving you valuable tips on the topics listed above, and providing you with help and advice while you paint your choice of pet from your selected photograph, or, if you prefer, from my own extensive set of references.

2009 dates for this course are now being added - please refer to Workshop dates page. 

This course covers two days.  Each day will run from 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., and light refreshments will be provided.  We can order a packed lunch for you if you wish.  The cost of this course will be £150 per person (cost of packed lunch extra), with a £75 deposit payable on booking.  Places are limited to three artists to ensure individual tuition.  Please ring or email for further details.

 ****Now available as an e-workshop - please see my E-workshops page for details****

Click here to download the booking form.

For details of workshops available, click here.