(Canadian, b. 1956)--Growing up a Canadian farm girl, Valerie has been drawing horses "ever since I could hold a pencil." Her father had horses on the farm, and the first stories she was told were always about horses.  Valerie attended the University of Saskatchewan, intending to major in veterinary medicine, but changed her mind when she had to watch surgery performed on her own horse. She switched her major to art, expecting her instructors to teach her to draw. Discouraged after two years, she dropped out before graduating and quit painting for a time. But after a few years, she again began to paint - as a favor to friends who wanted a good rendering of their horses. Her first large exhibit came in 1983 at the Arabian National Show. Then, in 1986, another important event took place, which she says improved her art. Out shoveling grain one day, Valerie twisted her back and was suddenly "in the worst pain of my life." She had major back surgery and for the next five weeks she couldn't work, ride, or even paint. So she decided to read - mostly books on composition and color. Shortly after she started to paint again, she completed her first major work, titled Romancing the Stones. This is the painting that brought Valerie attention in the world of equine art.  Her use of composition, color and light has led many people to believe she has the potential for greatness. Said noted artist Mort Solberg, "She can go anywhere she wants: it just depends on how hard she wants to work."

Artistic Achievements

2006 Solo Show  Middleburg, Va.     *2005 Solo Show Lexington, Ky.

2004 Group Show Middleburg, Va.      *2003 the official artist for "The Breeders Cup"

2002 Solo Show Lexiniigton, KY., group Show Middleburg ,Va.

1999 Commissioned to paint the winning  "Queens Cup Woodbine" Toronto ,Canada

1997 "Distant Views" - Individual Exhibition        *June 6 - September 1, 1997, International Museum of the Horse Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington

1996 Spur Magazine Publishers Award, Painting & Sculpture - "Four in Harmony"    *American Academy of Equine Art (AAEA) International Exhibition Featured Guest Equine Artist   *Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Charleston, South Carolina

Best in 2D Award - "Kentucky Four"   *Horses in Motion Exhibition. Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville, Kentucky

First Place, Oils/Acrylics - "Stage Left"   *10th Annual Draft Horse Classic Western and Equine Art Show

1995 Founders Award - "The Sand March"   *AAEA 16th Annual Juried Exhibition, Lexington, Kentucky

First Place, Oils/Acrylics - "Penny & Clyde"     *9th Annual Draft Horse Classic Western and Equine Art Show

Juried into full membership of AAEA     *1994 Featured Artist, Vancouver Wildlife Art Show

Equine Images Publication Award - "On Course"    *AAEA 15th Annual Juried Exhibition

Hon. Mention - "Second Look"    *Pacific Rim Wildlife Art Show, Tacoma, WA

1993 Award of Distinction - "The North Bank - Spruce Meadows"    *14th Annual AAEA Juried Exhibition

1992 Gordon Barton Memorial Award for Best in Show - "On Duty"    *13th Annual AAEA Juried Exhibition