The story so far

About Valerie

Hi, I'm Valerie Khoo, an artist based in the beautiful northern beaches of Sydney, Australia. My journey to becoming an artist is anything but conventional – think of it as a wild ride through careers in accounting, journalism, and business ownership, before I finally discovered the world of visual art and creativity. Yes, you read that right. Numbers and news gave way to oil paints and canvases. And I haven’t looked back.

The start of a creative journey

A few years ago, I picked up a paintbrush and fell in love with the creative process. Time just disappears when I'm in my studio. Eventually, I realised that painting was more than just a hobby – it was a necessity. Soon enough, people started buying my artwork, and I knew I had to pursue my passion.

One of the highlights of my artistic career was being commissioned to design a five-metre sculpture for the City of Sydney, which was displayed on the iconic harbour next to the Sydney Opera House. Yes, it was a 'pinch me' moment!

My muse and intentions

I love creating vibrant, striking artworks. Flowers are usually my muse – big, bold, and beautiful blooms that capture the essence of joy and positivity. I work predominantly with oil paints; there’s something magical about the way they blend and bring my subjects to life.

My creative process is a bit like falling in love: it starts with a spark, an idea or feeling. From there, I work up a composition, and then pour my heart and energy into every brushstroke. I believe that art reflects the artist's emotions, which is why you'll never catch me painting when I'm down. Positivity, optimism, and joy are always infused of my work.

When I’m not painting

You'll find me indulging in my other passions: writing, literature, music, languages, and theatre. And I’ll admit I also love Bon Jovi, The Killers, and My Chemical Romance. But I also adore classical music too and play the piano and cello when I’m not painting. It all feeds into my creative soul.

I hope my art does more than just brighten walls. I hope it serves as a daily reminder of life’s beauty and infinite potential, encouraging viewers to chase their dreams and find joy in the little things.

I’m excited that I now offer canvas art prints, making my artwork more accessible to those who find joy in my creations. My goal is to keep painting for many years to come, spreading optimism and inspiration through my art.

Surface pattern designer

In addition to painting original artwork, I am passionate about surface pattern design. So I create fabric collections and wallpaper collections like here and here that are sold around the world. My designs are also licensed for upholstery, greeting cards, wall art and a wide range of lifestyle products.

And there you have it – a peek into my very colourful and eclectic world. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope my art brings a smile to your face and some inspiration to your day!