Vivien Willacy

Born in Morecambe, Lancashire I have lived in Oxfordshire for nearly 30 years. I discovered my ability to draw in 2018 following the death of my father, my inspiration was a cala lily on a condolence card.

In 2020 I returned to drawing, this time with coloured pencils. I have had no formal art training and therefore am completely self-taught. It may well be in the genes, my Mother and Aunt both painted, my Aunt to a published standard. My Father was a draughtsman by trade and I think that is where my love of detail comes from. I can often hear him critiquing, telling me something isn’t quite right!

This is my first year exhibiting my work and it has been a privilege to do so. It has given me the confidence to really push myself with my art. I have had the opportunity to step away from commission work for a little while and draw and experiment.As you can see from my artwork I have a love of nature and animals, very much a country girl at heart.  I have completed a few human portraits recently which I have very much enjoyed. This medium is by no means a fast one, but is surprisingly calming.  I call it my Yoga with Pencils! It gives me pleasure and peace, even with a challenging piece.  My escape!All drawings are completed on acid free archival paper/film with colourfast pencils – meaning if cared for according to instructions, they will stand the test of time.