WELCOME

I was born in Seaford, East Sussex, a seaside town nestled between Brighton and Eastbourne at the foot of the South Downs. With its chalk cliffs, spectacular downland, forest, woodland, and meandering rivers, the idyllic spot had an enormous influence on me as a creative child and the adult artist I am today. Now living in St. Leonards-on-Sea, a few miles up the coast, I paint as much as time allows, I enjoy giving demonstrations and teach when I can.

I work in watercolour, acrylic, and oils, painting flowers, still life and landscape, (landscape is fast becoming my favourite subject). I use a mixture of reality and imagination in my paintings. My work is an emotional response to my surroundings, showing a spontaneous approach to seeing, bringing an element of mystery and intrigue to the subject. My work has changed over the years as I have been finding my identity as an artist. I love colour. My painted world is bold, and vivid, has pattern and motion. I enjoy experimenting, finding new ways of expression. It is not difficult to be inspired living so close to the sounds, sights and smells of the sea and the beautiful sussex countryside.

The last verse of Rudyard Kipling's poem 'SUSSEX' written in 1900 best describes my feelings for the county.

God gives all men all earth to love,

But since man's heart is small,

Ordains for each one spot shall prove

Beloved over all.

Each to his choice, and I rejoice

The lot has fallen me. 

In a fair ground - in a fair ground -Yea, Sussex by the sea!

Vivienne and her husband also own a self catering holiday home which sits within the grounds of their property. St. Leonards on sea is an ideal spot from which to explore Sussex, Kent, and for trips to London. For more information on Fern Cottage please go to the Links page and it will direct you to our website.