Born in Kiev Ukraine, raised and educated in the UK and now currently residing in Auckland NZ, Val's art is as diverse as her background and interests. These of course include Art in all shapes and forms, humanity, music, dance, humour and wine - and not always in that order !! In her earlier years, her artistic outlay was as a professional figure skater and she went on to coach some 18 yrs in the sport in NZ. However having to stop coaching to become a full time mum she used whatever time she could to expand her art into portraiture. Her beautiful daughter was her inspiration for her initial portraits and now her extensive portfolio showcases her art in all mediums from oil to coloured pencil. Despite being told some years ago that she should 'brand' herself as an artist to become internationally recognised Val's theory on producing art is to always remain true to herself, whatever style, medium or subject matter she chooses. Having recently discovered Photoshop she is now experimenting with traditional hand drawn techniques with digital image manipulation and is loving the the chance to push her art past the usual parameters of painting with a brush.