About Me
My Background
My name is Vivian Alkire. I currently live in Jacksonville , Florida. My hometown is Corpus Christi, Texas.
During my early years in Texas, I tried my hand at painting but could never reach a level of satisfaction. As a Navy wife my husband eventually got stationed in my hometown Corpus Christi, Texas. I was fortunate enough to take l
My name is Vivian Alkire. I currently live in Jacksonville , Florida. My hometown is Corpus Christi, Texas.
During my early years in Texas, I tried my hand at painting but could never reach a level of satisfaction. As a Navy wife my husband eventually got stationed in my hometown Corpus Christi, Texas. I was fortunate enough to take lessons there from a teacher (Sandra Day) who taught me how to paint using the Dick Turner method. Dick Turner is a famous Houston, Texas artist who died young but used his method of painting to teach students how to paint the "Old Masters" way. This method incorporates the use of glazes. The glazes are made up of mediums mixed with oil paint. The technique is like layering different clear colored cellophane sheets on top of the painted surface. I love the method and have learned the proper way of painting. When this technique is used you will get an iridescent look to the painting. You will notice that the painting will change as the light changes around it. There are no brush strokes. After my paintings are completely dry you can wipe the surface with a clean damp cloth. I learned more about painting in those lessons than I did in the previous years of painting. My watercolors and silks have benefitted from these lessons also. My goal is to have the viewer feel something when they view my artwork.
CURRENT BOOKS BY: VIVIAN LEE ALKIRE
The Wall -A CHILDREN'S BOOK
A Magical Adventure About Courage, Imagination, and Belonging
When siblings Renja (age 9) and Ariel (age 7) are sent to live with a Grandmother they've never met in a town they've never heard of, nothing could prepare them for the wonders and dangers that await inside Yellow Woods.
From the moment they ar
The Wall -A CHILDREN'S BOOK
A Magical Adventure About Courage, Imagination, and Belonging
When siblings Renja (age 9) and Ariel (age 7) are sent to live with a Grandmother they've never met in a town they've never heard of, nothing could prepare them for the wonders and dangers that await inside Yellow Woods.
From the moment they arrive, strange things begin to happen: a mysterious yellow Wall that stretches endlessly through the forest, an enchanted buggy pulled by a horse with droopy eyes, glowing fish with toothy grins, and peculiar creatures with secrets to share. But when the Wall begins to whisper and strange eyes watch them from the trees, Renja and Ariel must summon their courage and imagination to uncover the truth about the world around them and their place within it.
★ Perfect for ages 7–8 who love stories filled with magic, mystery, and brave kids who rise to the occasion.
★ Beautifully illustrated with whimsical, hand-drawn scenes that bring the magical forest and its unforgettable creatures to life.
★ Themes of courage, family, and imagination make this the perfect read-aloud or first chapter book for independent readers.
★ Great gift for fans of The Magic Tree House, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Spiderwick Chronicles.
Step beyond the ordinary and discover what lies on the other side of The Wall.E WALL
My Inspiration
My Inspiration
Dick Turner's art has greatly influenced me. The picture above is a Turner painting. I have many of his prints. He taught you to look at nature and animals differently. See the colors. "Grass is not just green - it is blue, yellow, green, light green, orange, brown, and so many other colors." The same applies to most things in na
Dick Turner's art has greatly influenced me. The picture above is a Turner painting. I have many of his prints. He taught you to look at nature and animals differently. See the colors. "Grass is not just green - it is blue, yellow, green, light green, orange, brown, and so many other colors." The same applies to most things in nature.
MY MEDIUM
I use many different mediums, such as oils, watercolors, and inks, for silk art. I try to experiment with different styles and mediums to continue growing in my art. I may be in my 70s, but I continue to learn.
As you view my portfolio, you will see a couple of Mirror Shard art pieces. These are made with broken mirrors and arranged on a framed mirror. I use resin to cover the shards so when you view the artwork, the shards reflect the light, giving you a feeling of moving water.
The large paintings are gallery wrapped canvases. They do not require a frame. The artwork continues around the 1 1/2 inch sides of the canvas. This gives the painting more depth.
Take the time to look