Refreshing

I commissioned Vivian to have a painting done to express a transitional time in my life. For years I had driven past her studio living in South Langley and always had a curiosity about her work. Her colorful and expressive paintings had always captured my attention.

When it was clear that a painting was needed, Thunderfoot Studio immediately came to mind.

I was faced with a blank wall in my dining room. I had a horse painting on the dining room wall and it was gone. The gift was taken during asset division in a most challenging divorce. Although I was quite sad to see the old one go, creating the new one was a healing experience and still offers inspiration as I take steps of courage in my personal and professional life. I see now that the painting represents  positive change for me and my children. It hangs on a burgundy wall in our new home which is a sanctuary of beauty. The colors really stand out against the dark wall. When I am unsure that I can achieve something, I only need to walk through the front door and see myself as the paint in the lead. With the beautiful bay at my side, I can do anything. My best friend and I used to ride horses through the water in Manitoba and when she saw the bay, she was moved to tears. I had not described the bay to Vivian yet the bay was a spitting image of my friends beloved friend including the markings.

It was built to represent strength, freedom and refreshing. As I look back on the experience, I remember Vivian came to our home during a chaotic time. She was professional, relaxed and encouraging. Even our yellow lab Sunny was relaxed in her presence and if you have a young lab you know how rare that is. As I shared my story, she was an active listener, acknowledging the difficulty of our situation. I told her I wanted a herd of horses running through the water with water splashing up around them. I described the paint leading the herd and sent her a photo of one. I was thrilled about the first draft. When we later met in her studio for a revision to the eyes of the leader, she was so intent to hear exactly what was I was hoping for and made the changes that I desired with enthusiasm. The results truly mirrored my desire.  When I returned home to share the painting with my children, I asked my daughter, who was then 6 years old, what we should name the painting. The very first word that came from her lips was, Refreshing mommy like splashing in the water! So, refreshing it was. When I looked up the meaning of refreshing that day out of curiosity, it read -renewed strength and vigor, a very suitable phrase for this time in my life.

Just a couple years later, I am now a professional life coach and adult educator assisting parents and children through transition to live their best life. Part of my story includes the importance of beauty in your surroundings, beauty that fits with who you are and what is important to you.

This Refreshing painting is a testimony to that vision.

Until we meet again, Jennifer

Dear Vivian, I wanted to thank you very much for the recent caricature site plan commissioned forThunderbird Show Park.  We have received fantastic feedback from our customer and visitors with comments ranging from the accuracy of the site plan to the details of the drawing including the jumps, show ribbons on bridles, horse trailers, golf carts, riding apparel & of course the horses themselves.  What I am so pleased with is the sense of general festivity and atmosphere that you have created in your work of art.  Your painting will appear in our various publications, as a directional map for our customers and holds a place of honor on the wall of our tournament office.
Thank you once again for your very fine work and for meeting our deadline last fall.  It has been a pleasure working with you to come up with such a superior finished product.  If you ever require a reference please feel free to call on me as I am one of your biggest fans!
Take care & all the best with your future horse endeavors.
Sincerely yours,  

Jane Tidball
President & Tournament Director, Thunderbird Show Park

The corporate painting Down Time is displayed in the presidential office suite of the I.W.A. I love this painting. When we are in stressful negotiations and I need a break, I go into the office and sit down and stare into the painting. It calms me and clears my head. I can go back into the meetings refocused.

Brian Lund, Business agent, IWA Local 1-3567

I purchased the print A moment of Reflection at a silent auction for the Horse Council of B.C.  I have a friend that loves elephants and because I thought it was a poster, I thought she could use it in her classroom. Well when I gave it to her she opened it and we were absolutely blown away it is actually a signed print and it is so beautiful. She loves it and it is not going in her classroom.  It will be framed and displayed in her home. Her Mom asked why didn not I keep it to give as a Christmas present? meaning that it is far too nice for just a spur of the moment gift! Good question! It will be hard to top.
Thank you Vivian for the opportunity to give such a treasured piece of art to a great friend!   Debbie Lemaire

I had 4 large murals painted for my new restaurant. Vivian was able to paint in the style that I wanted to enhance the southern Californian atmosphere of my cafe. She took the initiative in design and produced roughs showing her intentions. She worked with my deadlines and the work was done in time for the grand opening. I found her work was above and beyond my expectations!   

Michael Dussault, Pepperoni Cafe

To Horse and pet owners
Almost 2 years ago, my husband and I lost our beloved English Springer Spaniel, Koko, to a hit and run driver - needless to say we were devastated!
Low and behold we met Vivian - and, equipped with just a couple of photographs and her unlimited talent, Vivian brought our Koko to life again on canvas in oils.
Along with family and friends who knew Koko well, all attest to the fact that the portrait is a wonderfully remarkable likeness of our dog.
Thanks to her exceptional talent we have an everlasting, life like keepsake of our beloved pet.
Thank you Vivian from 2 very grateful patrons who recommend your work and artistry to everyone who is interested in a living image of their pet.   Bill and Fran White

Hi Vivian, Just wanted to let know that Sir Spike the cat portrait was a big hit on Christmas morning. Our son Paul was very pleased with his gift. Thanks very much for all your work. We really appreciate you accommodating  our request so close to Christmas, and doing such a great picture for us. Thanks again! 
Donna & Ray

Thank You!! I just received for Christmas this year a painting you did of my cat, Spike - I just wanted to drop a line to tell you how beautiful it is and how much I love it!!  Of course with me being away from home he hasn't had a chance to see it yet but as soon as I can get it home to him he will. It will look great in my apartment and I will treasure it forever.
Thank you again! Paul

Vivian - Well it seems strange not to be e-mailing you daily anymore, but it sure is great having my brochure and cards done and getting "out there".  The printers had no trouble printing either of them and were very impressed with how the brochures were done.    I am just so happy with all the work you did for me and have been giving out your name and cards to anyone who may be needing your services - the printers even wanted to keep your name on file!
So thanks so much for doing such a superb job!!! Julie Bose