Interview with the Artist

Valerie Anne Kelly Talks the Talk With 1stAngel Art Magazine>

When did you first become interested in art?
I became interested in Art from a very early age doodling on anything & everything, and then went on to receive an high school Art Diploma. Moving to Scotland from England upset my plans of going to Paris to paint. Then family came along and I seriously took up painting again in the early nineties exhibiting my work and painting lots of commissions.
What style of art do you use most?
Landscapes whether they be traditional or digital – I love capturing the essence of nature. Am a varied Artist though always love to try new techniques.
Has your style changed from when you first began as an Artist?
Having painted traditionally most of my life in every medium am delighted to have found my new Digital studio.                                                                                                     What medium do you use?
All mediums the latest one being Tradigital’. I digitally enhance my traditional paintings & photographs using PSCS4,Corel PSX3 and Painter11 ie :- Tradigital’.
What made you choose that medium?
It’s a delightful voyage of discovery everyday in my digital studio, so exciting if I find a new plug-in or a different programme. The only thing is I miss is the smell of paint!
Do your ideas come from life or imagination?
Both ! my head is buzzing with inspiration, I only have to observe nature and then let my vivid imagination take over lol!                                                                                                   How do you choose your images and colours?
I am totally inspired everyday by seeing the wonder and beauty all around me and pick the colours from the air, always striving to capture that elusive light’
Who is your favourite artist?
Vincent Van Gogh as he was so original and put his soul onto canvas. The starry night’ is my favourite because it had never been painted before!
What is your favourite piece of work by yourself?
‘Shelter’ (portraying that He has the whole world in His care) and I thank God everyday for this wonderful gift He has given me.

Shelter’ by valzart ©2015
How much time (on average) does it take to complete a work?
It can take hours, days or weeks to complete an artwork depending on the subject.

How well do you take criticism?
Ok as long as it’s constructive. I remember one when the critic said I must do better… woo00t! lol!
What do you do to overcome a ‘block’?
listen to music and totally relax, usually Enigma.

Russet Lane’ by valzaart ©2015How do you know something is ‘finished’? Is it easy to walk away?
I never think a work is finished, there’s an old saying “It takes two people to paint, the Artist and someone to hit him over the head when it’s finished” lol!
Have you had exhibits in galleries?
Ravenham gallery Norfolk for a month it was very exciting and got lots of commissions.
Have you any exhibits in galleries planned for the future?
not at the moment
What are your plans for the future?
more painting,more discovery and always striving to improve my techniques.

Ocean Swell’ by valzart ©2015What advice would you give new artists?
practice practice practice and follow your heART.
Have you done any courses to help you?
no
What do you do to market your work?
Blog it – and have my own websites:-

valzart.co.uk/

valerie-anne-kelly.artistwebsites.com/

Do you use social networking in your day to day life?

https://www.facebook.com/Valzart
https://twitter.com/valzart

Are you available for work (commissions)?
it depends on what it is.
Have you got hobbies?
Art,writing,photography and poetry. All creativity gives me a great buzz!

Mists of Time’ by valzart ©2015
Where are you based?
Spain/UK I commute between both countries.