Val Lawson - Artist

My art, networks, and other interests
WHY DO I PAINT: “Making art” was a great hobby throughout my demanding business career, now my art practice takes up much of my time.

My growing interest in art and well-being began in 2020 during lockdown, when I painted my way out of depression. I began to look at colour psychology and then at Neurographic Art. My painting style became more abstract and reflective as a response, expressing my feelings about our busy world; the impact of climate change on communities and wildlife; and the need for moments of quiet and calm. I interpreted the difficulties and challenges as colourful paintings, and created work that reminded me of happier times. I love making my paintings and want them to nourish your soul and bring joy to your life.

Painting is a great positive compulsion for me. I relish the excitement of the creative process and the challenges of sharing my emotions. I want my paintings to bring pleasure to me and to others. I enjoy interpreting what I see or imagine, inspired by shapes, patterns, words, emotions, colours and stories. Each new painting takes time as it evolves from a few marks and is developed intuitively, so I usually work on several at the same time, moving from one to another as the inspiration takes me.

NETWORKS: I’m a great believer in the benefits of networking and I'm an active member of Herts Visual Arts Forum. I also run Fairfield Art Group; go to demos and talks at Biggleswade Art Society, and recently joined Harpenden Art Club.

EXHIBITIONS AND GALLERIES My paintings are available through Eagle Gallery in Bedford where I was accepted as an exhibiting artist in October 2023. I also exhibit at Artisans in the Yard Gallery in Shefford, Art & Soul Gallery in St Neots, and sell online from my website.

I've paintings in the inaugural display of work at Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce in Old Hatfield, and have work on show at Wenta Enterprise Centre in Potters Bar and at the Business Technology Centre in Stevenage.

OTHER INTERESTS: I enjoy duplicate bridge, cooking, and keeping in touch with family and friends. I read for relaxation, and like pitting my brain against Sudoku, crosswords and other puzzles. I’ve a long-standing interest in equality and diversity, have written blogs on the subject and used to be National Chair of the Women in Management Network..

In 2022 I started playing lawn bowls and am getting benefits from the exercise, fresh air and making new friends. Every day includes a little time spent on my art practice, it may be an hour or so of painting, playing in my sketchbook journal, managing my art business – or focused on my networks. Some days it's all of these!