Finding Your Mark

By Christopher Schink
THE PALETTE MAGAZINE #25
March/April 2008

"I'd like to do one of those" is the natural response of most painters when they first feel the urge to learn to paint.  Early in our careers, all of us have come upon a painting that we wished we had done and that we hoped we could someday duplicate.  We find ourselves attracted to a particular artist with an appealing style that inspires us to take up the pursuit of painting.

In time we usually distance ourselves (or outgrow) these early influences.  we find new inspiration and discover other ways to work.  We explore and experiment, and eventually, if we're lucky or work hard (or both), we develop a way to think and paint that is identifiably our own.

Nevada artist Valerie Cohen has taken that journey, progressing from enthusiastic beginner to a skilled and knowledgeable artist with a mature, distinctive style.  Although the early influences on her painting style are still visible, the results are uniquely her own.  In this article, she describes her journey with humor, insight, and candor.

(The above painting is "Topo Map #3 - Blue Sage" by Valerie Cohen, 30x22 Mixed Media)