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

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

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

Washing Down Oil on board 8" x 10" $1,950	Rolex Oil on board 8" x 10" $1,450
Pressing on (Rolex) Oil on board 6" x 8" $1,150	The Outgate Oil on board 8" x 10" $1,000
Morning Shower Oil on board 9" x 12" $1,850	Steeplechase Oil on board 8" x 10" $1,450
Number Three in Polo Oil on board 18" x 24" $3,500	Quarter Pole-Santa Anita Oil on board 8" x 10" $1,500
Hilltoppers Oil on board 8" x 10" $1,450	In the Backstretch Oil on canvas 33" x 48" $13,500
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