Original Art

My name is Valerie Burrows and I was born in 1952 in a small rural community in Karamea which is located in the Buller region of the South Island of New Zealand.

I have always drawn for as long as I can remember but being one of a large family money was tight and materials were somewhat limited. It wasn't until 1981, and as a part-time student, that I attended Whitecliffs Art School that I fell in love with soft pastels and the use of bright vivid colour. At the age of 33 I began to feel the frustration of wanting to throw myself into my art but at the same time the need to earn an income and be independent. The demands of earning a living kept me from reaching my potential and I became, what I refer to as, a spasmodic artist.

In my second marriage, and for the first time in my adult life, I found myself in the perfect enviroment to nurture and develop my skill as an artist.

In 2007 and with the encouragement of my husband, family and friends I started on a series of paintings called "Essentially Women" the first being "Class Act" - there are now over 25 paintings in the series. More recently an additional series has emerged under 'Animal' category.

I have enjoyed 4 exhibitions - the first in 2011 and twice I have been selected to exhibite in the Hibiscus Coast and Bays Art Awards. More recently, after converting our garage, I have open my own Gallery/Studio which I refer to as Valerie's Art Boutique Gallery. It is so good to finally have a place to hang my work for people to see. The hours are Thurs, Friday and Saturday 11am - 3pm.

"Whenever you are sincerely

pleased you are nourished"

Ralph Waldo Emerson 1803-1882

ADDRESS

17A Ngahere Views,

Orewa, HIBISCUS COAST

Auckland

NEW ZEALAND