Vivian Walz

Vivian Walz

After a lifetime of experimentation with styles, subject matter, and media, including ceramics, textiles, and illustration, I find myself returning to painting and drawing.

Everywhere I go, from my own backyard to the Amazon rainforest, I am drawn to color and texture, light and shadow. Weather, sky, tide pools, flowers, birds and gardens are constant sources of inspiration, whether I am working completely abstractly or realistically in colored pencils.

To create my abstract monotype paintings, whether as stand-alone framed pieces, cards, or as the background to realistic colored pencil drawings, I apply slow-drying Golden Open acrylics to a Gelli plate with a palette knife or squeegee, then play with the colors until they almost magically cohere into a pleasing image. I then press cotton paper onto the image and let it dry before cropping. For my "minis," I insert 4"x6" or 5"x7" compositions into card frames, and for the larger pieces I seal the back, glue the painting to a cradled board, and protect it with Mod Podge.

If I am adding a rendering of local flora or fauna to the abstract background, I create a colored pencil drawing on cotton paper, cut it out, seal both the front and back of the drawing, glue it to the background, and finish it with Mod Podge and varnish.

Lifelong learning is central to both my art-making and my personal philosophy. I have a BA in studio art, with an emphasis in sculpture, from San Francisco State University and have continued to take classes in both studio art and art history at City College of San Francisco. I love spending time outdoors, and in addition to painting and drawing, I am an avid nature journaler

I am a member of the Art Guild of Pacifica, and exhibit my work regularly at the Sanchez Art Center. I have participated in Silicon Valley Open Studios, San Francisco Open Studios, the Art Guild of Pacifica’s Winter Art Faire, and many group shows.

This May during Silicon Valley Open Studios, I will be showing my work with eight other artists at Site #110, in Los Altos Hills, on May 10th and 11th.

Look for me on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin for the latest updates and information.
Email: vivianmariewalz@gmail.com
Website: www.vivianmariewalz.com
Instagram: vivianwalz
Facebook: vivianwalz