Many of the artists I've conversed with often recount their beginnings in the world of art, a shared narrative I, too, can claim. My own fine artist journey commenced around the tender age of seven, where I vividly recollect sketching dainty princesses, their hair elegantly coiled in buns, adorned in resplendent, bow-bedecked gowns. Wistfully, I ponder the absence of those childhood drawings in my possession today, for they would undoubtedly evoke hearty laughter. As I advanced through the passage of time, my fervor for art waned until my high school years, where I was blessed with the presence of a highly influential art instructor, the esteemed Linda Stevens Moyer, who would later rise to prominence as a world-renowned watercolorist.
Post-graduation, I embarked on a unique trajectory, donning the uniform of the military and enlisting as a Fire Fighter in the Air Force, an experience that was nothing short of exhilarating. After four years of service, I relocated to the state of Maryland, assuming the roles of both a wife and a mother to a sweet son, christened Freddy. Subsequently, our family grew with the arrival of my second son, Justin, whose presence illuminated my world even further. During these challenging times, I rekindled my passion for drawing in the hopes of supplementing our income. Encouraged by friends, I took a bold step into the realm of artistic exhibition by participating in our town's art show, a fateful decision that would see me clinch the coveted blue ribbon for my drawings and earn the admiration of a collector who acquired all of my pieces—a thrilling achievement, to say the least.
From that juncture, I embarked on a sustained journey of artistic exploration, involving drawing, painting, entering art contests, and even taking on mural projects. It is worth noting that I undertook these endeavors while in the constant company of my two young boys, who served as an unwavering source of inspiration. In 1994, my artistic pursuits took an academic turn when I was awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Philadelphia Art Institute, where I embarked on a degree in animation. This educational path opened doors to myriad opportunities, including a stint at the illustrious Disney.
Throughout my artistic odyssey, I've witnessed my work adorn the walls of my personal gallery, owned a downtown art gallery, and showcased my creations in various galleries. My dedication and talent were duly recognized with an honorable Governors Citation, and I've both triumphed and faced defeat in several art competitions along the way. Reflecting on these experiences, I can sincerely assert that I have cherished every minute of my artistic journey which has now taken me in the direction of publishing my own artist designed home decor.
FEATURED ARTICLES:
Cover - Loudoun Times Mirror - Indy News November 2011
Loudoun Times Online- News - November 2011
élan magazine October 2011 Issue
Feature Section - Mural Artist - Harford County Sun 1992
Feature Section - Harford County Sun, 1993
Feature Section - Baltimore Sun, 1994
Featured article - Area Muralists, Havre de Grace Magazine, 2006
SOLO SHOWS:
The Art Studio of Valerie Lloyd, Summer 1993,1994,1995, 1996, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, Summer1997 (The Watermen of the Chesapeake Unveiling)
LA Cle Dor' Guest House, Spring 1999
AWARDS
1st Place, Drawing Havre de Grace Art Show 1986
1st Place, Drawing Havre de Grace Art Show 1987
2nd Place, Maryland State Fishing Stamp Design Competition 1989
2nd Place, Maryland State Fishing Stamp Design Competition 1990
Maryland Governors Citation - Sports Poster Competition 1992
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS:
Havre de Grace Art Festival 1986-1994
Salisbury Waterfowl and Art Festival 1991
Bel Air Festival of the Arts 1991 (juried artist) Virginia Beach Waterfowl Festival 1992 (juried artist) Columbia Festival of the Arts 2008 (juried artist) Ocean City Arts fine Art Show 2008 (juried artist)
Sugarloaf Arts Festival 2008 (juried artist)
Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival 2008 (juried artist) Bethesda Row Arts Festival 2008 (juried artist) Richmond Arts in the Park 2008 (juried artist) Neptune Festival - 2009 Virginia Beach (juried artist)
Western Loudon Artist Tour 2009 Western Loudon Artist Tour 2010 Western Loudon Artist Tour 2011
ORGANIZATIONS:
Colored Pencil Artist of America - Patron Member
Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators - Patron Member
PUBLISHINGS:
Maryland Department of Fisheries - Fishing License Brochure 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1992
Work Published - Light up Your Watercolors Layer by Layer 2003. A transparent watercolor titled, “A Boys Face” page 30
