Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Post 543: PWAS Meeting with Valerie Larson, Guest Speaker

PWAS Meeting with Valerie Larson, Guest Speaker

Monday, February 24, 2025. The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) meets on the 4th Monday every month at the Tall Oaks Community Center on the corner of Cotton Mill Road and Hedges Run - right down from the Giant off Old Bridge Road in Woodbridge, VA. At our art group's meetings, we usually have some sort of art program, typically featuring a local artist, on all types of art topics. Manassas artist, Valerie Larson joined us for our February meeting.

Valerie's Artistic Journey

Valerie told of her inspiring artistic journey that has shaped her life and art to where she is today.  Her story has led to many commissioned watercolor portraits of pets, and her art on display truly made you understand why she is much in demand by her clients desiring an artwork of their furry children...aka pets. She explained the communication involved with a client to capture just the right light and life of the pet subject's relationship with their human family. 

As one member said, "You can see the personality of the dog, looking out from the portrait." 

She shared many examples of her work, her commission process, and some of the extra touches she builds into each of her 'works of art'. 

Valerie also shared her approach to the process of art video making with music, marketing and social-media posts on Facebook and Instagram that help getting her art "out there". She loves to use Aquabord artist surfaces, the Inshot app, InDesign, Photoshop, and she often uses Jerry's Artarama as an art supply source.

The PWAS members thoroughly enjoyed the meeting and getting to know Valerie. Many questions were asked and everyone was enthralled by her artwork.


After light snacks and beverages, the business part of the meeting proceeded, including reports from the various Board members, information on upcoming art shows, events, and the need for a Nominating Committee for the end of year PWAS Board elections. Contact the Member at Large if you want to be on that much needed committee.

Are you an artist in Prince William County? Don't miss the next guest speaker - you may miss the exact art topic of interest to what you do! Join PWAS

What did you think of the meeting?


Author, Photographer: Donna Liguria
Artistry Spin Blogmaster and an artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Donna's Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

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2 comments:

  1. Valerie gave a wonderful presentation. She was informative and her artwork is beautiful!

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    1. Agreed, Bettie. I was taking a few notes especially on the apps used, surfaces etc. Always good to know which online art supply space people recommend as well - Jerry's Artarama in this case. And not noted above was that the Da Vinci watercolor surfaces are also a favorite of hers.

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