Born in Alberta, Vivian received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Alberta in 1970. Before turning to line art as a full-time pursuit in 1983, she worked in the areas of foreground preparation for the Natural History Diorama Program and in exhibit design and construction at the Provincial Museum of Alberta as well as in the graphics department of a major telecommunications firm. Since beginning to paint more than 30 years ago, Vivian has worked in oils, acrylics and today, exclusively in watercolour. Her subject matter has ranged from leaf, grass and snow compositions to elaborate still life and on into exotic tropical flowers.

Vivian’s works often utilize subtle diagonals to lead the eye into the heart of the painting encouraging the visual exploration of perceived three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. Celebrating the lushness of the natural world is a main theme as is the glory of colour and detail revealed by strong, natural light.

Memberships:
Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolor
Royal Canadian Academy of Arts
Federation of Canadian Artists

Solo Exhibitions:
Edmonton Art Gallery, Edmonton
Robert Vanderleelie Gallery, Edmonton & Victoria
Wallace Galleries, Calgary
Elaine Horwitch Gallery, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nancy Poole’s Studio, Toronto

Publications:
Financial Post Moneywise Magazine ‘DoReMeFaSoLaTi Dough’ 1988
North Light Books ‘The Best of Flower Painting II’ 1998
International Artist Magazine ‘Canadian Showcase’ 2001

Selected Collections:
Alberta Foundation for the Arts
Alberta Energy Resources Conservation Board
Barnes Group, Hartford, Connecticut
Canada Council Art Bank
Canadian Pacific