I began my painting journey in 2006 and started working in oils in 2015, then spent two years training with artist Trevor Waugh, followed by a life-changing Diploma course with the Norfolk School of Painting and Martin Kinnear.

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Currently living in the New Forest, with my husband Mark, I paint from my home studio and exhibit regularly in Open Studios events, regional art exhibitions and national art fairs.

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I am always seeking to express the emotional connection I feel when out in the natural world; the peace; the spirit and sense of place, and of what lies beyond the purely physical.

 

I look for those magical moments on my walks: the weird, wonderful, majestic tree shapes, rich mosses adorning their sides; the way the light shines through the trees casting deep shadows; the geometry of field boundaries and the big skies; peaceful reflections in water and the symbols that appear in the play between light and shade.

 

Working from black and white photo references and sketches, I choose colours to suggest a particular mood or feeling, which may be very different from the natural colour.  Working with different colour palettes also affects my mood and is part of the joy of painting. 

 

I use mainly rich, vibrant oil paint, which allows the paintings to slowly evolve and come into being, making each painting unique and special.

 

How we experience a painting is very personal – I hope that my artworks create a moment of connection for you, the viewer; a reminder that in all the busyness of our lives there is time to stop and just be, a moment perhaps of peace; of being transported to a special place; and yes perhaps a little magic.

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Phone: +44 07775 698576

Email: valerienerva@gmail.com

Website: www.valerienerva.com​​