BIOGRAPHY

Valerie Lennon's vibrant paintings are a direct reflection of her colorful Miami upbringing. Though initially pursuing education, her passion for art led her to explore courses throughout her college years and beyond. She's honed her skills through classes at the Atlanta College of Art and workshops with notable artists in Atlanta, Santa Fe, and New York.

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Valerie has an impressive exhibition history, with over forty juried, group, and solo shows. Her work has also been featured in publications like Southern Living and Veranda Magazine. Her paintings are known for their intense, imaginative hues, often inspired by her travels.

 

You can see echoes of artists like Matisse, Dufy, and Derain in her work, particularly in her use of vibrant, Fauvist-inspired colors. However, Valerie brings her own unique interpretation and emotional expression to her watercolors and acrylics. Her florals and people-filled scenes are slightly abstracted, capturing the essence of her subjects rather than literal depictions. Her still lifes evoke a warm, earthy feeling. Notably, her celebratory scenes invite viewers to participate, allowing them to imagine the personalities and stories within the painted world. It's like she sets the stage, and you're invited to the party.

 

Artist’s Statement:  
I am an artist. I am a conceptual expressionist. I am a painter that creates my ideas through color, shape, and composition. 

My artistic strength is my choice and use of color. I spread these colors on my canvas using varying values and shape and line. I use the paint transparent and opaque to create these shapes and planes. As I enter the creative exploration of painting I think about varying brush strokes, juicy application of paint and sizzling complements of color.
 

In the beginning I think little of my subject, losing myself in this very challenging process. All of these concepts help me to create my figurative florals and landscapes, which are unique to me. My figurative paintings are stories, memories, and moments in time. I am inspired by Matisse who spoke to these moments in his masterpieces with features not being the important part of painting. I let you, the observer, be a part of the creative process using your unique imagination.

I want my paintings to give joy, humor, and happiness. I want to feel these emotions upon viewing the art in my home.