Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Batchelder.
Valerie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After retiring from being a play therapist, I was looking for something besides volunteer work to fill my time. A few years ago I took a beginner watercolor class. It was enjoyable, but didn’t mean much to me at the time. Seven years later, I was bored one evening and got out all those materials from the class – painted a face with wild hair – loved it and have never stopped. It has been two and a half years of painting.
As a play therapist I continually witnessed the peace and joy children experienced when doing art in my play room – very healing. I have had the same experience with my painting – the process gives me peace, joy, a pleasant challenge, as well as a young outlook on my life.
Even though I paint dogs and flowers, my true love it showing the beauty and strength of women, no matter their age or place in life. The wild hair represents a sense of freedom and independence and forever young attitude.
So, my story is simple – I paint mostly to please myself – as the paintings pile up, I sell them at shows or through my website. I am continually surprised at the joy they seem to give people – so that is another aspect of my art I am starting to appreciate. I hope my art will continue to nourish me as well as others.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been a very smooth road, since all I wanted was the freedom and space to paint.
I am retired, so I don’t have the pressure of needing to make a living from my art. I only need money to support my hobby. Therefore my prices are very reasonable.
I just want to live as long as possible so I can paint the next painting – I am curious to see how much I can grow in talent.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Valerie Batchelder Watercolor Artist – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am known for my women with wild hair. I have recently started a series of women who represent a certain type of strength and courage – such as, a street lady who faces struggles and fears daily, but has the courage to stay alive and keep trying, or a young person who is tattooed and smoking, showing the strength of trying to find out who she really is, or the cowgirl who takes healthy chances – she is not afraid of anger and will not live in fear – she is not afraid to enjoy her life. There is also the beautiful model, who is using what she has to be successful, but knowing she is more than beauty and striving to improve in ways that will give her a good future.
My greeting cards sell easily – most of my customers want flowers on them, so I am beginning to be known in that area as well.
When I need instant money, I paint someone’s sweet dog. They have been very popular.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Just to keep on painting – watching for other artists who have a style I like and learn from them.
I am also entering exhibitions – wonderful challenge and another way to meet great artists – a great way to stay humble.
Pricing:
- My cards are only $4.00.
- My paintings, unframed, go from $20 to $400.
Contact Info:
- Address: 521 N. Kentucky St.
McKinney, TX 75069 - Website: valeriebatchelder.com
- Phone: 214-2085757
- Email: vgbatch@gmail.com
- Instagram: Valerie Batchelder
- Facebook: Valerie Batchelder
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
