Valerie Travers
I live with my two sons in Guernsey, Channel Islands and this is where my roots are.
Painting is a massive part of my life and I try to work in the studio for several hours each day if possible. Surrounded by sea it is natural to be touched by such changing beauty and this I try to capture in my work. Seascapes and skies have moved me for as long as I can remember as they are forever changing, and always inspirational. Sometimes soft, gentle and almost childlike. Other times fierce, strong and dramatic.
My work has been exhibited locally for many years in galleries, exhibitions and privately but is now available on line in order to reach a global audience.
The subjects I choose are varied but I also enjoy changing the medium I use, so I may be totally absorbed using oil paint one day then change to water media, pastel, mixed media etc. I love the whole process from beginning to end, seeing a creation emerge and grow often with quite surprising results. I try not to be too rigid in my approach and let the creative juices flow and develop. Paintings can sometimes appear out of nowhere and take only a day or two, but at other times I may work on one for weeks or even months before I feel satisfied. Living with a painting for a while is often a good idea as it can be viewed with fresh eyes and renewed vigour.
I feel that being self taught gives my work a personal style and I hope this is conveyed in my painting. I paint what I feel and what gives me pleasure, pure and simple but at the same time it makes me happy when I know that what I create is also giving pleasure to others. It is impossible for one's work to be liked by everyone, we all have likes and dislikes so I tend to follow my instincts and paint what comes naturally.
Art can often be likened to a calling. There is no doubt in my mind that this is what I was meant to do and I am more passionate about it with each passing day.
Nature is full of boundless inspiration - who could fail to respond to its many facets.