Val Curtiss displays work in Paradise

PLAINS – When you walk into Val Curtiss’ home, you realize it’s much more than a place to live. It’s a place to create - a vibrantly, colorful display of a passion Curtiss refers to as an addiction.

Curtiss began painting six years ago and since then has trouble putting down the brush. In the last year she has painted more than she has in her lifetime, developing her skills and improving tremendously.

Much of her inspiration comes from photos she finds online. Curtiss often times combines multiple elements in different photos to get the look she is trying to achieve.

Although she states she doesn’t have a favorite style, Curtiss has recently been working with palette knife paintings. This technique uses a knife instead of a brush and the knife is used to glob on different colors of paint.

Her newfound passion for palette knife painting was discovered after Curtiss took an online course from a Russian artist named Leonid Afremov. She was supposed to complete 50 paintings in the intermediate course, but graduated after completing 35 because of how quickly she mastered the skill.

She plans to continue onto Afremov’s advanced class once he gets it scheduled.

“I drove him nuts,” Curtiss said with a laugh. “I would get a painting, finish it and send it off right away. He told me I was going five times faster than anyone else.”

Curtiss said it takes her between four and six hours to complete one of her masterpieces.

Although she is largely self-taught, Curtiss did learn from watching Bob Ross on television.

Curtiss continues to paint because it’s something she loves doing.

“I feel intrigued, engrossed (when painting). It makes me happy,” Curtiss said. “I basically want to see if what I envision actually materializes. Painting is a challenge.”

The constant challenge pushes Curtiss to develop her skills more, crossing over into the world of acrylics.

Her goal is to continue improving as time goes on.

“I don’t’ want it to turn into a job,” Curtiss explained. “I want to keep it as something pleasurable to do. You get addicted.”

Curtiss will be at the Artists in Paradise exhibit and is excited to have others see her work. After submitting her work to the Art on the Walls event at Clark Fork Valley Hospital for seven years, Curtiss decided to join the Sanders County Arts Council. Her involvement there has grown as has her network of artists she uses as a support system.

Curtiss is excited to see people from out of state at the exhibit, and said she is hoping many people from the Baroque Festival at Quinn’s will attend during the daytime.

“I think it’s going to be really exciting,” Curtiss said. “I just hope we get a lot of people.”