About Me

I was born in Calgary, Alberta into a reasonably creative family. My grandfather, Herbert Earle, was an engraver, calligrapher, watercolor and oils artist. He also played the violin and did makeup for local theater. My mother was an artist with fabric and design - she could sew anything. Some might say I come by any artistic skills thru heredity and maybe there is some truth to that but I credit most of my skill to study and practice.

 

This painting, for example, was done twice in pencil before I did it in watercolor.


Abandoned - 10 x 12 watercolor







I dabbled in art while my children were young trying different media like weaving, jewelery making, and drawing. After moving to Wynndel, in the beautiful Creston Valley, my mind turned to painting more and more and finally, in 1997 I took the plunge and started in watercolor.

Although mostly self taught, I have taken classes and workshops with a number of well known artists, Zoltan Szabo, Terry Isacc, Joyce Kamakura, Donna Jo Massie to name a few. I have also studied with local artists - Karen Arrowsmith and Win Dinn for example. I do not stick to one medium or one style but tend to explore where ever my interest leads me. I work in watercolors, acrylics, oils, pen & ink, charcoal, mixed media and, recently, fabric art.

After the kids left home I had my husband convert two of the bedrooms into one nice studio space and that is where I do my art explorations. We have also turned our home into a gallery which is open to the public. A bit off the main path, Mellowood Studio and Art Gallery doesn't get a lot of traffic but visitors are always welcome.


8 comments:

  1. Was hoping to follow your Blog but can find no "Followers" box ... but I'll 'follow' you anyway! :)

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  2. I don't understand about your no 'followers' comment unless it is not appearing for you. I do have a 'follow by email' space in the blue background on the right. Maybe your blog is set up differently?

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  3. I also see a Subscribe To: Posts (Atom) at the bottom of the page, for those who prefer to follow that way, Val.

    In any event, it is good to see you are back at your blog - I always look forward to your posts, and it's good to read about your background!

    Happy painting!

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    1. Thanks Win - I had no idea about the Posts (Atom) option at the bottom of the page - I hope others are more up on these things than I am. I have no idea how many people follow or read my blog but I will try to keep more up to date.

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  4. I'm following too - am adding you to my blogroll

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    1. Hi Sharon - thanks for adding me I am going to look for you too

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  5. I'm not sure where to write this but I wanted to let everyone know that you are a very talented and artistic person. I was treated so well when I was trying to figure out which of the two paintings I wanted. Well, Val went the extra, extra mile for me and let me choose from 12 different mat finishes with the one I finally choose. Never had I felt like someone really was doing a awesome job to make sure I was happy and made me feel like he really enjoyed doing this extra bit just so I was as pleased with his service as I am with his work.
    Thank you, Michelle

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  6. Thank you so much for the wonderful testimonial Michelle. It is always great to know you have made someone happy.

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