Val van der Poel and Mellowood Studio

Val van der Poel started to dabble in art when her grandfather gave her some calligraphy lessons—she was nine years old at the time. But it wasn't until 1996 that she started taking art as a serious avocation. Although mostly self-taught, Val has studied with Zoltan Szabo, Joyce Kamakura, Katherine Haynes and a number of local artists. Her work has been exhibited locally and regionally, and is in a number of private collections internationally. Val enjoys encouraging and helping emerging artists—since 2000 she has taught several beginner artist groups.

If variety is the spice of life, then Val is living life to its fullest though her art. She works in watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink, charcoal, pencil, and mixed media. Her subject matter is varied as well, including flowers, landscapes, still-lifes, birds, animals, and even the occasional abstract. When working with acrylic, Val will try almost any surface from rocks to fabric. Size and style vary to meet almost any interest and any pocketbook.

A driveway winding through a cedar forest leads you to Mellowood Studio. Two converted bedrooms make for an airy, bright and roomy studio in the west wing of a rambling country home. A separate entrance opens into the gallery and studio area. Spend some time looking at the art and watching the artist wrestle with her latest creation—there are often two or more projects underway at one time. And if you have an extra half hour to spare, you can always try your hand at a simple watercolor or acrylic.

Val welcomes your mail at val@mellowood.ca.