About Valerie Lloyd
Artist Bio
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 Art Institute of Philadelphia, where I embarked on a degree in animation. This educational path opened doors to myriad opportunities, including a visiting stint at the illustrious Disney.
Throughout my artistic journey, my work has adorned the walls of my personal gallery, a downtown art gallery I owned, and various other galleries. My dedication and talent have been recognized with an honorable Governor's Citation, and I've experienced both triumphs and setbacks in numerous art competitions. Reflecting on these experiences, I can sincerely say I've cherished every moment, which has now led me to publish my own artist-designed home decor. My studio, where I continue to create original works, is currently located in Stafford, Virginia. Thank you for reading!
-Valerie