Updated  18th May 2012

                                                                               A VERY WARM WELCOME TO VISITORS OLD AND NEW...

'"Sundown"'

...and especially to new visitors from the States.   I am a professional artist based in North Devon, England, working mainly in pastel and pastel pencils.  Home is a nineteenth century cottage set on the high ground between Exmoor and Dartmoor National Park, the Country of the Two Rivers made famous by Henry Williamson in his book "Tarka the Otter".  The thriving otter population of the Taw and Torridge has inspired my new series of otter paintings, some of which will be on display at a forthcoming exhibition to be held in the West Wing at Castle Hill, Filleigh, on 21st and 22nd May.  For further details please see below under "Latest News". 

 I run a variety of painting courses from my home studio, and for local artists I have recently introduced an intensive three hour afternoon painting course, limited to two artists at a time, which provides an ideal way to develop pastelling skills quickly and easily.  Alongside my face to face courses I have for several years been providing tuition by email, helping hundreds of artists from all over the world.  Thanks to the wonders of the digital age, distance really is no object.  My e-mail courses include an extensive range of e-workshops, developed from many years' experience of running workshop classes, as well as private tuition at hourly rates.

On this page you will find a bird's eye view of my website.   If you have any queries, please don't hesitate to contact me at vivien.walters@btinternet.com.  I do hope you enjoy your visit and find something on these pages to inspire you.

***Latest News***.

Exhibition 21st - 22nd May at Castle Hill, Filleigh, Nr. Barnstaple.  .  I will be displaying a selection of my latest artwork at an exhibition to be held at Castle Hill, Filleigh, near Barnstaple, on the above dates.  I have also been asked to paint "Star", an Indian runner duck with an international following (and a dedicated "Star Hayman" Facebook page) for sale in aid of Appledore RNLI.  Star and dad Barrie are a regular sight in local towns where they work tirelessly raising money for the Childrens' Hospice.  Draw tickets for Star's portrait will be available for purchase at the exhibition.  Local artists are more than welcome to drop in,  please don't hesitate to introduce yourselves if I am there.  Full details can be found at www.castlehilldevon.co.uk.

'"Star" '

 New course dates for 2013 -  All places on my 2012 pet portrait courses have been filled, but new dates up to July 2013 are now available.  I will also shortly be putting on some more of my new intensive three hour Painting Afternoons for later this year.    Limited to two artists at a time, these courses are ideal for anyone with a busy schedule who wants to be free to set their own agenda -  choose your own subject, maybe  finish an existing project or commission with help on any tricky areas, and at the same time develop your skills with pastels or pastel pencils.  All abilities are catered for.  You will find currently available dates on my Course and Tuition Dates page.

Articles in "Paint" magazine -   If you are a member of the Society for All Artists (SAA) you will have seen my articles  in "Paint" magazine demonstrating wet and dry techniques for painting flowers using Derwent's versatile range of pastel pencils.  I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has been in touch to say how much you are enjoying these articles - and good luck with your paintings.   May's issue of "Paint" is now out, and contains my latest article showing you how to paint the summer blooms of a beautiful hydrangea.   "Paint" is distributed free to SAA members - if you would like to know more about the benefits of SAA membership please click on the link at the bottom of any page on this site.. 

Buckingham Fine Art Publishers have a number of my limited edition prints and originals for sale.  To see the current range and view their latest "State of the Art" catalogue please click this link to their website at www.bucksfineart.com. 

 TigerTime Campaign - I am delighted to have been asked to support David Shepherd's TigerTime Campaign to help save the iconic tiger.  With fewer than 3200 wild tigers left in the world time is fast running out for these magnificent creatures and they need all the help they can get.  I am offering a number of limited edition giclee prints of my tiger cub "Look Don't Touch" to help the cause -  more details are on my TigerTime page.  To sign up to the TigerTime petition to save the tiger please click on the following link to www.bantigertrade.com

 ***My Web Pages At a Glance***

Reference Library   If you have ever suffered from "artists' block" when nothing seems to inspire you, you will be pleased to know that I have now set up an artists' reference library full of interesting images to help get you started.   Priced at £5.00 each, these images are free of charge to anyone wishing to use one on one of my courses.

Pet Portrait Courses - For many years I have been running specialised Pet Portrait Courses showing 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 (or any other animal subject).  Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist wishing to develop your skills you will find these courses invaluable - and fun.  Please note that all places for 2012 have been filled, but new dates to July 2013 have now been added to my Course and Tuition Dates page.  These are already starting to go, so if you are interested in joining us next year please book early to avoid disappointment.

'Concentration!'

E-Workshops - these distance courses are ideal for those who live outside the UK or who simply prefer to develop their art in the comfort of their own home.  Easy to follow written instructions are provided along with images of each stage, making it easy to produce a beautiful finished painting and gain knowledge of techniques that you can apply to your own artwork.  These courses utilise a variety of media - pastel, pastel pencil, oil pastel and mixed media.  Further details are on my E-Workshops page, which contains a selection of my artists' comments.  I am planning to extend the range shortly to include further e-workshops complete with DVD -  to all those who have expressed an interest thank you for your patience.  Details will be announced asap.

Painting Afternoons - on this page you will find details of my new intensive three hour Painting Afternoons.   Limited to two artists at a time, these courses are designed to give you the opportunity to learn my pastelling techniques on a subject of your choice.  Please get in touch if you would like to join us.

Course and Tuition Dates - on this page you will find a list of my courses which are still available.

Private Lessons - I can provide one to one or one to two tuition to provide more intensive help for artists who wish to make quick progress with their artwork by general tuition or by tackling problem areas.  I also provide a consultancy service by email or post to help with any tricky areas encountered in commissions or originals.

 Commissions - I have many years' experience underrtaking commissions of dogs, cats, horses - in fact anything animal.  If you are interested in a commission of that special animal please have a look at my Commissions page, or email or ring to discuss further.

Gifts - I have a selection of prints and greetings cards available for purchase, together with gift vouchers to any value - a perfect present for an artistic friend or relative.   

Greetings Cards and Prints -  selected images are available as greetings cards as well as open and limited edition giclee prints.  I will be expanding these ranges as time permits and updating these pages.

 

'"Daisy" - by Jean Barker'

                                                ****Students' Gallery****

 As you will see, my site includes a Students' Gallery where artists can display an example of work which they have completed with me.  I am very proud of what these artists have achieved - please have a look and see what you think.  

 And finally...

Happy painting!

Vivien