About the Artist
Gerry, my older sister by nine years, was the first artist in the family. She came by it
naturally. Both my mother and my grandmother were incredibly talented and creative.
When I was in grammar school, I brought home an art relief which my teacher had generously
graded "A". However, an A in fourth grade just didn't compare to my sister's beautiful
work. So, I put my brushes away for thirty-five years.
Gerry, my older sister by nine years, was the first artist in the family. She came by it
naturally. Both my mother and my grandmother were incredibly talented and creative.
When I was in grammar school, I brought home an art relief which my teacher had generously
graded "A". However, an A in fourth grade just didn't compare to my sister's beautiful
work. So, I put my brushes away for thirty-five years.
| © Copyright Valerie Walden 2008. All rights reserved. |
Artist Bio
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Seeking respite from my executive life in high tech, I have
joyfully rediscovered my artistic origins from the talent that runs
in my family.
I developed my natural abilities with inspiration and expert
guidance of artists/instructors at the Austin Museum of Art,
University of Texas, Leslie DeMille of the Scottsdale
Artists' School and noted Idaho naturalist Scott Christensen.
I found three mediums that enable me to express myself.
Watercolor's softer hues and ability to detail life, represent the
feeling I have when viewing nature. Pastels shout out the
boldness of colors and expressions we all experience in life.
And, oils allow the opportunity for layering and contrast.
Through open studio and life drawing sessions, I sometimes
merge aspects of two of these mediums by augmenting my pastel
interpretations with water and brushes.
I am pleased with the early acceptance and growing recognition
of my work. Just this last year, my paintings were selected in
three juried shows, and I completed numerous specially
commissioned pieces. So far this year, I have had three pieces
chosen for two juried shows: the Austin Pastel Society's
Annual Exhibition and the 30th Anniversary Waterloo
Watercolor Exhibit.
joyfully rediscovered my artistic origins from the talent that runs
in my family.
I developed my natural abilities with inspiration and expert
guidance of artists/instructors at the Austin Museum of Art,
University of Texas, Leslie DeMille of the Scottsdale
Artists' School and noted Idaho naturalist Scott Christensen.
I found three mediums that enable me to express myself.
Watercolor's softer hues and ability to detail life, represent the
feeling I have when viewing nature. Pastels shout out the
boldness of colors and expressions we all experience in life.
And, oils allow the opportunity for layering and contrast.
Through open studio and life drawing sessions, I sometimes
merge aspects of two of these mediums by augmenting my pastel
interpretations with water and brushes.
I am pleased with the early acceptance and growing recognition
of my work. Just this last year, my paintings were selected in
three juried shows, and I completed numerous specially
commissioned pieces. So far this year, I have had three pieces
chosen for two juried shows: the Austin Pastel Society's
Annual Exhibition and the 30th Anniversary Waterloo
Watercolor Exhibit.
My two-month summer exhibit at Vin Bistro was well received. Along with six other
artists, my work will be featured in a three-month winter show at The Gallery at AMPLIFY
beginning in October. Two of my pastels will be featured in the Austin Pastel Society's
Member Show in November. Also in November, I'll be participating in the East Austin
Studio Tour as a guest artist.
I am a founding member and resident artist of the brand new Austin Art Space Gallery &
Studio in Austin, Texas. I am a member of the Austin Visual Arts Association, the
Waterloo Watercolor Society, the Austin Pastel Society and the Southwest Pastel
Society.
artists, my work will be featured in a three-month winter show at The Gallery at AMPLIFY
beginning in October. Two of my pastels will be featured in the Austin Pastel Society's
Member Show in November. Also in November, I'll be participating in the East Austin
Studio Tour as a guest artist.
I am a founding member and resident artist of the brand new Austin Art Space Gallery &
Studio in Austin, Texas. I am a member of the Austin Visual Arts Association, the
Waterloo Watercolor Society, the Austin Pastel Society and the Southwest Pastel
Society.
