Born in Arbroath in 1945, Valerie started painting in 1990 and attended classes at a summer school in Arbroath whilst working in market research. In 1995 she entered Angus college to develop her portfolio before being accepted to study at The Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art from which she graduated with a BA Honours in 2000.

'I am influenced by the great chiaroscuro masters, particularly Caravaggio. There is something curious, almost mystical about a face emerging from, or receding in shadow. I am facinated by the dramatic and powerful effects of light on a figure. Light gives a painting its flow, taking the eye from place to place, whilst the dark backgrounds and shadows provide both the sturucture and contrast necessary to achieve the painting's mystery and aura'