A post-graduate course in Landscape Architecture led rather surprisingly to a career of designing and making commissioned jewellery. Exploring the intrinsic beauty of the precious stones and gold for discerning clients was a joy and a privilege. Even so, to paint professionally was always in mind. This gradually came to fruition after a considerable amount of concentrated study at the Lydgate Art Research Centre. A sound and inspirational grounding showed how great painters of the 19th and 20th centuries pushed the boundaries ahead for all to follow.
Val now works full time in her studio on the Malvern Hills. If her work has to be put into a named category, perhaps abstract impressionism could be used. She aims to embody a sense of immediacy and freshness, distilling something of the majesty of the landscape through form, colour and exploratory use of paint.
The writings of Matisse provide constant points of reference.
"What I dream of is an art of balance"
"Colour, above all, and perhaps even more than drawing, is a means of liberation."
Her work is constantly on show in galleries in the Midlands and London. It is also in collections in America and on the Continent. A recent Cork Street Exhibition was well received.
