About Me.
I'm a relatively new artist, painting a little over 4 years now. Although I've been active in, and a huge supporter of the arts, I never thoughts of myself as having talent in the fine arts. I always decorated and garnished my cooking and baking creations with flair, but painting has been a new journey.
I was brought up in a family business in Upstate New York, an Italian restaurant and inn, though always teaching in between. My latest position was at an art college, I bonded with a wonderful painting teacher, who with her kind and gentle criticism and very available presence inspired me to keep learning....a big Italian hug to Annette Gurdo. It's always the teachers that make us or break us, isn't it?
​
With much of my career in the past, sharing my time between New York and Florida has given me time and new energy to lend to my painting. I've exhibited in two shows in Florida recently. In August, my paintings in conjunction with my husband's photography, will be on exhibit for a month in Canastota, New York. The exhibit has been very inspirational to many, and a chance to see old friends and meet new ones!
If you see something that speaks to you or interests you, email me through the website to discuss it. I would be happy to work with you regarding an original, a print, or even an animal commission. This is meant as a personal, creative venture, not a business website. Instagram contains up to date information, and some funny and entertaining photos of art and the process replete with critique from Hera the kitty!
​
​Facebook-ValerieGraziano
Instagram-ValerieGrazianoart
​
Gallery
This is a path at Hamilton College in Upstate New York on a summer day with perfect light and blooming flowers. 9" x 12", with a one inch with border on all sides. Title: "The Lane of Lovely" SOLD this month! Thank you.
Fisher's Landing is a small dot on the map between the towns of Clayton and Alexandria Bay, in New York State in the 1000 Islands on the St. Lawrence River. Much time in my childhood was spent there, and more time now. This is the view from the park on a summer day with boats bobbing on the dock, and views of two of the over 1100 Islands. 9" x 12" with a half inch border on all sides.
Title: "Summer Day Between the Trees"
This painting came out of my head. It started with practicing rocks, the rocks took on a metallic watercolor sheen, then foliage and water happened The not so pretty concrete building is a contrast to the nature aspect in the painting, while the metallic paint says,"city vibe" to the composition. 7 1/4" x 11 1/4" with a scant 1/2" border on all sides. Title "Urban Tranquility".
These are companion abstracts, ranging in size from 61/2" x 4 " to 4 1/2" x 3". They could be framed separately. or all together. I have them on a lightweight canvas to show them all, Title,"Sweet Drama"
CAPS TITLE
SOLD!
ManyThanks.
How much do you love flowers? This came from my head too, not a reference photo. I can't get enough flowers. This is "Flower ABBONDANZA! ...a flower farm with a cottage, replete with ethereal light shining from the clouds. This is BIG, an entire sheet of watercolor paper 22" x 30"! 1 1/2"-1 3/4" border all the way around.
Title: "Flower Farm Ecstasy"
Smaller flowers this time, but no less pretty. I like to give people bouquets. This painting is an almost retro look of blue hydrangeas. Measures: 9" x 6", with about a 3/4"white border all the way around.
Title: "Tranquil Blue Nostalgia"
​GIFTED....
This is a dreamy scene again from my mind. The colors and the beach cultivate thoughts of a walk where no footprints have been, leading to a quaint old church. The faraway house on the island lends more mystery. Measures 10" x 8" with a one inch border all the way around.
Title: "Pastel Reverence"
Beaches in Florida are abundant. Wildlife too. Turtles cross in front of your car on roads, armadillos are picked clean by turkey vultures right before your eyes, and cute deer are seen nightly. This part of the beach was vacant, except for the turtles. Mysteriously wine and comfy seating are set up with no humans in sight, in. Perhaps a foreshadowing of an impending storm. Measures 12" x 9" with no border on any side. Title: "Fancy Turtle Picnic"
This is really a beautiful painting of the botanical gardens Asian Coy pond and bridge in Montreal. The greens are soft and muted, while the fish frolic. Montreal is one of my favorite cities, and this is an oasis retreat amid the hustle and bustle. This measures 12" x 9" with about an inch border on all sides.
Title: "Botanical Fish Frolic"
​
Title: "Star Struck Indigo Winter" is just a place where you want to wear warm clothes, skate on the pond, then sit by the fireplace, book in hand, eating something good. Metallic watercolor paint pops the stars in the night sky. Measures 11,5" x 15", with a one inch border all the way around.
"Beauty Heals a Hurt Heart"
This is my premier abstract. You can see it all framed and displayed at the beginning of the website. It was recently displayed in a juried show at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center in Oakland, Florida .
Family relationships can be tumultuous and wounding. We can use all the beauty the world offers us to heal and soothe our hearts during these trying times, while always hoping for grace. Beauty exists in mostly everything around us.
Find the beauty. Heal your heart.
Bald Mountain is a popular place in the Adirondacks to go for a hike. To reach the top of this is a challenge, not so much in height elevation, but the terrain is slippery with large rocks and not much traction. When you reach the top, it certainly is a "high" in beautiful scenery and accomplishment, especially in the fall. Measures 10" x 13"
Title: "Adirondack High"
SOLD! Many Thanks
This is a vase of soft stemmed blooms. Outlined with pen and ink and color washed with mostly pinks. The stems appear to be floating, the water reflecting the color of the flowers in clear glass vase. Flowers again. My favorite! Measures 12" x 9" with no border. This was recently sold to a lovely woman with a beautiful heart and soul.
Title: "Delicate Blooming Pinks"
The beach always beckons in Florida, this time the beach is the dunes in New Smyrna. This lucky guy thinks he's alone, but an animal friend is close at hand. Measures with a premium white mat, 16" x 12"
Title: Almost Alone in Paradise
SOLD! in August. Many thanks!
The beach in New Smyrna again, this time with a very different feel. The limited color palate conveys the Title, "A Dark & Stormy Foreshadowing".
Otis was a sweet, gentle dog, never even once did I hear him growling at Hera, even when she gave him a left hook or a few body shots as she walked by him. Although he was in my life only 3 years, he was my BFF (Best Florida Friend) at the beginning, my alfresco poached egg breakfast partner, and the recipient of many cooking lessons and songs in the kitchen. Otis, forever loved and missed, went over the rainbow bridge last month in May, 2024.
NFS~Print available.
Title: "The Puppy Love of My Life"
Hera the cat is truly entertaining. At 13, she still plays, leaps, and never hesitates to give you a smack when she feels it. She only really loves me, though tolerates her "spare human," especially when fed smoked salmon, a "squeeze treat," or enjoying a piano concert.
NFS~
Title: "Hera, the Boxing Kitty".
Print available.
valeriegraziano.com
"Classic Meets Unique" is a vintage pot with golden feathers and hanging misty blues. Fits perfectly in a mat, and framed to 11" x 14".
A sparkly tree lined path leads to the enchanted path that we all crave. Lots of metallic paint, 8 x 10, matted to 11" x 14". Titled-
"Silver Enchantment" SOLD! Thank you, Goddess.
valeriegraziano.com
Hera again, this time in oil. An artistic medium experiment for me. Original NFS- prints available.
valeriegraziano.com
"Oscar Lives Here" is a piece that's totally indicative of Florida; air-boat rides, swirling palm trees, and lots of lakes. The star attraction is Oscar and his friends the alligators, who inhabit this environment on Lake Jessup. 11" x 14" framed & matted.
Green Lakes in Upstate NY is a beautiful state park. 2 lakes join to make a nature playground. "Misty Round Lake" is my favorite, with the soft terrain and the unspoiled sights. Matted with a rich brown mat to an 8" x 10".
​valeriegrazianoart
"Kitty's Flower Show" is an odd size- as many original watercolors are-and floated in an all glass 8 x 10 frame. Notice the charm this happy feline wears around her neck!
On a beautiful day in the Adirondack Mountains on one of the many lakes, the man on shore has missed his boat; while his female friend and dog head into the sunshine. Happily, there's another catch-up boat. This is a big painting, approx 15" x 25."
"Late to the Party"
valeriegrazianoart
"Beautiful Pinks & Blues" give this painting a nostalgic feel. It's an odd size, floated in an 8 x 10 all glass float frame.
"Here's the Buzz" This painting was inspired by the hummers that have flocked to their new feeding station next to the patio. Their wings flap rapidly, up to 200 times PER second, that creates a buzzing sound! They disappear as quickly as they show up after their sweet libation.
"Celebrate Good Times" (C'mon!) is an abstract with vivid colors that reminds us that everyday should hold a little bit, or a lot, of joy! This is approximately 11" x 14"