So says Valerie Steele (80), a talented artist who first picked up a paintbrush at the age of seven.
Valerie has lived in Springs for two years, bringing her creative skills to town.
“I am a perfectionist when it comes to my art, and I do not feel one can outstrip God’s creation so I copy it to the best of my ability,” she says.
According to Valerie, she can paint anything she puts her mind to, but enjoys portraying animals best.
“I’m very versatile when it comes to painting,” she says.
Valerie can also paint on many different surfaces, including canvas, wood, cardboard, porcelain, and even ostrich eggs.
The octogenerian explains she always has more than one painting on the go and keeps them in her room so she can add to it whenever she feels the need to, even when she awakes in the middle of the night.
“Many people have told me that I put so much emotion into the animals’ eyes when I paint them, that it just brings them to ‘life’,” she says
Valerie has never exhibited her art, and says she is working towards this dream.
“I’m hoping to have an art exhibition near the end of the year at the Springs Art Gallery,” she says.
For that to happen, Valerie explains she needs to first make a name for herself, and has had a good kick-start by painting for many well-known people in Springs.
“My art truly does speak for itself and my passion for it is visible,” she adds.
