Valerie began painting, sketching and sculpting at an early age, drawing from the rich and historical environment of Junee in western New South Wales. Her sensibility and her connection to people, animals and the landscape has immersed her in these artistic pursuits for more than thirty years.

Qualifications in art conservation studies at The University of Melbourne expanded her repertoire and reputation as a restorer of fine arts and as an artist in her own right. Arising from major studies of Norman Lindsay’s work, Valerie’s artistic perspective evolved into one that interprets the subject from the inside out.

Combining this perspective with newly-honed techniques developed under noted artists such as Wesley Penberthy, Valerie developed an individual style that gives her work depth, freshness and versatility in a range of media: egg tempera, and oils and water colours using Lindsay’s unique code-of-palette technique.

Across realist, abstract and contemporary styles, Valerie’s work depicts a playfulness with cultural identities. Her generosity with bold forms, splashes of colour and complex textures are provocative, inviting commissions in both private and commercial sectors.

Currently, Valerie is exploring all possible art canvasses: designing and creating wall murals, silk screens and trompe l’oeil; adding decorative features to furniture and floors; creating artworks to harmonise with existing décor for domestic and corporate markets—gilded mouldings, and wall stencils in traditional, French provincial, European and Australiana styles. 

Interest abroad and in Australia speaks to the appeal of her work with private sales in both Singapore and the United Kingdom, and a successful solo exhibition at the Fitzroy Gallery.