My name is Quwatha Valentine. I was born on Valentine's Day in Winston-Salem, NC. I am a graduate of the University of North Carolina with a major in math and minor in physics with art as my elective subject. I am a retired Software Engineer living in beautiful Sun City Summerlin, Las Vegas, NV. I arrived here via VA, TX and CA. I worked for NASA's space program for 10 years and later for Litton Data Systems in the defense industry as a software engineer and graphical artist.
I have studied many different painting techniques using different mediums, being self-taught through many books, video tapes and DVDs. Since retirement in 1999 I have resumed my painting full time. I have taken workshops and seminars from prominent portrait artists, learning the techniques of the Old Masters. I love painting landscapes, seascapes and portraits, with portraits being my first love. I have done many commissioned portraits and other commissioned work.
I paint portraits from life or from photos. I like to get to know the personality of my subject; therefore, when working from photos I require several different poses with photos taken by me or the client.
My portraits are painted realistically with a 'painterly' touch. I believe that God has given us so much beauty in reality and I like to combine that with a little artistic license.
I use only the finest archival quality canvases and oil paints.
Sit back, relax with your favorite beverage and take a journey through my gallery.
Be sure to visit my website at http://www.qvalentine.com.
