After an exciting career that spanned ten years on the staff of a United States Senator, a stint as an editorial writer for a CBS-owned radio station, and 14 years as an academic administrator at the University of California, San Francisco, Valli fulfilled a lifelong dream to study watercolor. When she moved to La Jolla in 1999 with her husband Tom and cat Patches, she sought out teachers and fellow artists, quickly becoming immersed in the world of art and indulging her passion for colors, textures, and designs.
For the past four years, she has studied with many well-known artists, including Joan McKasson, Cal Fortbrook, Robbie Laird, Carla O'Connor, France-Marie Haeger, Elaine Harver, Norma Soulé, Walter Bruning, Ken Goldman, Frank Webb, Jane Burnham, and Dale Laitinen.
Valli explores the many facets of watercolor, pastels, and mixed media and revels in the glorious, vibrant colors and happy accidents. "One of life's most fulfilling moments occurs in that split second when the familiar is suddenly transformed into the dazzling aura of the profoundly new." (Edward B. Lindaman)
Artist Statement: I have been involved in creating beauty since I was a young child, first through sewing my own clothes, and in my young adulthood by designing needlepoint canvases and quilts, decorating homes, and creating gardens. But watermedia has long beckoned me. When I am painting, I am reminded of my childhood and idyllic surroundings on the Michigan lake where I grew up. I know that I have captured the feeling of that simpler time when people look at my paintings and remark about how 'peaceful' they feel, how it reminds them of a familiar place and time.
Styles: Abstract, figurative, landscape, city scape, still life, representational, expressionistic
Memberships: San Diego Watercolor Society, American Watercolor Society (Associate Member), Pastel Society of San Diego
Classes: Frank Webb, Jane Burnham, Joan McKasson, Carla O'Connor
Awards & Exhibits: San Diego Watercolor Society's monthly juried shows (2000-present): Honorable Mention, March, 2003, Best in Miniatures, June, 2003, 2nd place, March 2004; La Jolla Historical Society's "Secret Garden Tour" invited artist, 2003 and 2004; Foothills Methodist Church Festival of Arts, April, 2003, juried show; Pastel Society of San Diego, May, 2003, juried show; La Jolla Art Association, April-May, 2003, and 25th All-County Show, January 2004
Website: www.mcdougle.com