My Background in Art

Art from 6 years old

Hello and welcome to my website! My name is Val and I’m excited to share my artistic passions with you. I hope to find an online community of likeminded creatives, and carve out my own space in the art world. I don’t want to limit the scope of this page going forward, so there will likely be an eclectic variety of special interests and projects posted.

My childhood art displayed at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds.

Art has always been central to my life. I started drawing as a toddler and never really stopped. During middle school and high school I was very focused on flute and ballet, which took up a large portion of my time. After quitting ballet at 16 due to an injury, I rediscovered my love of visual art and specifically took to painting and drawing. After high school and during university I began intentionally filling sketchbooks and making art as a part of my regular practice, and it has been an important and joyful part of my routine ever since.

Posing with my first art teacher Arnie Anderson after a grade school art show.

Self-understanding and self-expression are at the root of almost everything I do. Art has been so therapeutic and healing for me; it’s a way to interpret and express my feelings without words (verbal communication can sometimes be a struggle for me). After a decade as an art hobbyist, I am finally making a concerted effort to put my art out there for others to see. I’m not sure where this journey will take me, but I’m excited to be taking the first steps and I’m glad you’re along for the ride!

Urban sketching in an abandoned building in OK.