Vivien Walters is a West Country animal artist currently living in West Dorset where she works in charcoal, pastels and sometimes oils. Vivien aims to capture not only the likeness but also aims to depict the character of her subjects and the interaction between animals in a group.

An exhibitor and award winner at national wildlife and animal art exhibitions, Vivien has undertaken commissions for clients throughout the UK, Europe, the United States and Asia.  Together with the more usual cats, dogs, horses and cows are slightly more exotic animals such as a wolf and a tame cheetah.

Vivien says, "I am also inspired by the effects of light falling on a subject – I love the moods and atmosphere created by sunlight especially during late afternoon when the colours are warm and soft and the light suddenly catches an animal's coat making it glow.  I’m particularly fond of painting otters which are native to the West Country.   I love to paint the curving shapes that otters create, as do cats, another of my painting passions”.

Vivien is lucky to live in a rural area where she can step out of her door and be amongst nature which inspires her to paint the natural world.  She has the added bonus of having a reservoir on her doorstep where she can study many varieties of wild ducks, egrets, geese and swans which can look stunning against the sparkling blue water, sparking inspiration for future projects.