Artist Statement 

My painting journey began later in life, during retirement. Although I have always been drawn to art, I didn’t pick up a paint brush until 6 years ago and I haven’t put it down since. As a self-taught artist, I’ve faced the familiar insecurities that come with creating, but I’ve also discovered the profound joy of self-discovery through painting.

Watercolour is my medium of choice and I work in a realistic style. I thrive on the focus and attention to detail that realism demands. While I enjoy exploring a variety of subjects, I am especially drawn to animals, birds, and the occasional flower. The many hours required to capture realism allows me to me to form an intimate connection with my subjects. Through close observation, I uncover the anatomy, textures, colours, and subtle details that often go unnoticed in daily life. For me, everything in nature holds beauty.

Originally from Toronto, we moved to British Columbia where we raised our children. Now retired, we chose to settle in Craig Bay where we’re surrounded by the ocean, forests and ponds. There is no better place to experience the abundance of nature and inspire an artist than here on the island.

About Val

I was born in Comox, on beautiful Vancouver Island in British Columbia. The daughter of an RCAF Air Traffic Controller and a stay-at-home mother who was always there for my siblings and me. We moved a lot in my childhood, and I lived nine years of my young life overseas, mostly in West Germany.

As a child and young adult, I always enjoyed being creative and was raised to greatly appreciate hand crafted artwork. I started working after graduating from high school and eventually found myself with a local utility company that evolved into a 36-year career. 

In my late-forties I met an artist who encouraged me to sign up for her art lessons in watercolour. Although doubtful at first, I quickly fell in love with it and I continued to take those lessons for 11 years. In 2016 the art instructor encouraged all her adult pupils to create an art show together and I nervously invited friends and family to attend. It was a tremendous success, and it gave me the confidence to spread my wings and try other mediums with different instructors. Retirement provided me more time to paint and volunteer in the art community.

My preferred medium is now acrylic on canvas or wood. I mostly paint in a realistic style, sometimes adding a touch of whimsy, as I try to evoke a story for the viewer. I am inspired by my passions for nature, gardens and travel, painting plein air and from my photographs.

In 2025 I moved from Maple Ridge to Parksville and find myself thoroughly enjoying being a permanent resident on Vancouver Island again.