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Growing up a
Canadian farm girl, Valerie Hinz has been drawing horses "ever since
I could hold a pencil." Her father had horses on the farm, and the
first stories she was told were always about horses.
Valerie attended the University of Saskatchewan, intending to major
in veterinary medicine, but changed her mind when she had to watch
surgery performed on her own horse. She switched her major to art,
expecting her instructors to teach her to draw. Discouraged after
two years, she dropped out before graduating and quit painting for a
time. But after a few years, she again began to paint - as a favor
to friends who wanted a good rendering of their horses. Her first
large exhibit came in 1983 at the Arabian National Show. Then, in
1986, another important event took place, which she says improved
her art.
Out shoveling grain one day, Valerie twisted her back and was
suddenly "in the worst pain of my life." She had major back surgery
and for the next five weeks she couldn't work, ride, or even paint.
So she decided to read - mostly books on composition and color.
Shortly after she started to paint again, she completed her first
major work, titled Romancing the Stones. This is the painting that
brought Valerie attention in the world of equine art.
Her use of composition, color and light has led many people to
believe she has the potential for greatness. Said noted artist Mort
Solberg, "She can go anywhere she wants: it just depends on how hard
she wants to work."
Adapted from Cross Gate Gallery's website,
www.crossgategallery.com
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