Vivian Thierfelder

Vivian Thierfelder

RCA
Member of the The Canadian Society of Painters and Watercolour

"In choosing the subjects for my latest works, I have concentrated on the linear aspects of flowers and still life, allowing colour and form to emerge with the use of strong natural light and often employing elements of chiaroscuro. Contrast heightens the impact for the viewer and reveals the objects - flowers, glass or metallics to their best advantage. I have a fascination with light playing on various textures (petals, leaves, cloth), reflective surfaces (brass, steel) and densities (water, glass). A secondary motif that I explore at times is colour-related borders "imposed" on the works, creating a kind of window, adding energy and an element of mystery. I find it quite magical - the manner in which a brush, pigments and paper can create a "reality": the illusion of three dimensions in two. I hope you enjoy these works and feel the same sense of wonder that I did in creating them.".

Vivian Thierfelder

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.