Biographical Information

Valerie Hinz
Canadian 1956

Growing up a Canadian farm girl, Valerie Hinz has been drawing horses “every since I could hold a pencil.” Her father had horses on the farm, and the first stories she was told were always about horses. Valerie attended the University of Saskatchewan, intending to major in veterinary medicine, but changed her mind when she had to assist surgery performed on her own horse. She switched her major to art, expecting her instructors to teach her to draw. Discouraged after two years, she dropped out before graduating and quit painting for a time. After a few years, she again began to paint as a favor to friends who wanted a good rendering of their horses. Her first large exhibit came in 1983 at the Arabian Horse National Show. Ten in 1986, another important event took place which changed her direction in painting. Out shoveling grain one day, Valerie twisted her back and had to receive major back surgery and for the next five weeks she spent on her back reading books on composition and color. Shortly after she stared to paint again and completed what she calls her first major work, titled “Romancing the Stones”, this is the painting that brought Valerie major attention in the world of equine art.

In 1994 Valerie was juried to become a full member of the prestigious American Academy of Equine Art. She has won numerous swards at academy exhibitions including the 1992 Gordon Barton Memorial Award for “Best of Show” and 1994 Equine Images Publisher’s Award for the painting “On Course”. Her work has been featured in articles in many publications both US and Canadian.

Her use of composition, color and light has led many people to believe she has the potential for greatness. Said noted artist Mort Solberg, "She can go anywhere she wants: it just depends on how hard she wants to work."

Artistic Achievements

1997 "Distant Views" - Individual Exhibition
June 6 - September 1, 1997 , International Museum of the Horse Kentucky Horse Park , Lexington , Kentucky

1996 Spur Magazine Publishers Award, Painting & Sculpture - "Four in Harmony" American Academy of Equine Art (AAEA) International Exhibition

1996 Featured Guest Equine Artist
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Charleston , South Carolina

1996 Best in 2D Award - " Kentucky Four"
Horses in Motion Exhibition. Kentucky Derby Museum , Louisville , Kentucky

1996 First Place , Oils/Acrylics - "Stage Left"
10th Annual Draft Horse Classic Western and Equine Art Show

1995 Founders Award - "The Sand March"
AAEA 16th Annual Juried Exhibition, Lexington , Kentucky

1994 First Place , Oils/Acrylics - "Penny & Clyde"
9th Annual Draft Horse Classic Western and Equine Art Show

1994 Juried into full membership of AAEA

1994 Featured Artist, Vancouver Wildlife Art Show

1994 Equine Images Publication Award - "On Course"
AAEA 15th Annual Juried Exhibition

1993 Award of Distinction - "The North Bank - Spruce Meadows"
14th Annual AAEA Juried Exhibition

1992 Gordon Barton Memorial Award for Best in Show - "On Duty"
13th Annual AAEA Juried Exhibition