Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Bentley.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I cannot remember a time in which I did not dream of becoming an artist. My dad was an artist and painted signs for businesses when I was a kid. However, his passion was portraiture and drawing roses for my mom, He taught me how to draw faces very young, and I from then on, I spent most of my free time drawing.
I was very fortunate to have a very dedicated art teacher in high school who sparked my interest in attending a college that offered fashion design; I also loved sewing. I still remember the day she handed me the Parsons School of Design flyer, and the day I so proudly told her I got in. After my foundation year, however, I decided that illustration was the degree I wanted to pursue. I graduated in 2005 with a BFA in Illustration.
Upon graduation, I moved back to the Rio Grande Valley, TX and got married. We were not financially able, as newlyweds, to move back to New York, so we decided on Austin, TX. I always loved its artsy vibe! Most of the art job postings back then were more graphic design oriented and my computer knowledge, unfortunately, wasn’t up to par. I ended up working in retail in order to pay student loans, and I put my art dreams on the back burner until 2016.
By 2016, I had 2 kids and moved the suburbs. One night, one of my co-workers asked me about my art. I heard myself come up with a million excuses as to why I quit doing it, but I knew I never truly tried. That night I thought, what a horrible example I am setting for my kids. So, I ordered a few art supplies and got to work on some paintings for a local art call. I’ve been entering them ever since my kids say they want to be in art shows like “mommy”, I’m truly trying now and I am very excited to see what my future in art has in store.
Please tell us about your art.
I mostly work in acrylics, right now. My painting classes in art school were all in oils, so it was a bit of an adjustment at first, but I think it is a more suitable medium for working out of my home. I do a lot of embellishing with metal leaf and acrylic inks. I enjoy how the metallic luster of the leaf pops against the paint, and use it in a decorative manner to add pattern and movement. I also like to add illustrated graphic details to contrast with realistic elements. I’ve always had a love for Surrealism and Art Nouveau, which I think is apparent in much of my work. I am also all about using all the colors!
I want my mornings to start out bright, colorful, shiny and hopeful. That is what I want people to see when they open their eyes to my paintings. Even if the subject matter is somber, I try to use color to bring a sense of optimism. As a fun side project, I have been experimenting with illustrating patterns for print on demand products.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
I think social media has made us wallflower artists a little less lonely and more comfortable in connecting. I’ve had several artists reach out to me for advice via social media. It also helps to see and know that you’re not the only one at home painting on a Saturday night. Gallery show openings have been my main way of meeting other artists in the area. Art collectives and figure drawing sessions are also a great way to associate with another artist.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I show my work in and around the Austin metro area. In the past, I have had work at Artspace in Round Rock, TX and I currently have some for sale at Art for The People Gallery, in Austin. I post all of my upcoming exhibits on my website and my Instagram. My print on demand merchandise can be seen at https://society6.com/valeriebentleyart.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.valeriebentley.com
- Email: valeriebentleyart@gmail.com
- Instagram: valeriebentleyart
Image Credit:
Valerie Bentley
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