After an extraordinary career in government, academia and media that spanned 25 years, Valli Thayer McDougle began a search for teachers and artists in order to facilitate her lifelong dream of studying watercolor. Quickly immersing herself in the art world, Valli began indulging her passion for colors, textures and design. “I have long been fascinated by watercolor and the happy accidents that occur when colors mix on the paper or painting surface.” Although she still paints in watercolor, she now finds her greatest creative rewards in painting with acrylics and working in mixed media.

Working diligently to create her own vision and style, Valli has studied with many well-known watercolor and mixed media artists (Carla O'Connor, Frank Webb, George James, Polly Hammett, Don Andrews, Ken Goldman, Joan McKasson, Robbie Laird, France-Marie Haeger, Cheng-Khee Chee, Dale Laitinen, Dick Phillips, Frank Francese, Steven Quiller, Jean Grastorf, Jane Burnham, Cal Fortbrook, Carrie Burns Brown, Jonathan Talbot, and Ted Nuttall).

Valli’s professional affiliations include the San Diego Watercolor Society (where she served on the board for 6 years and as President from 2004 - 2006); Colorado Watercolor Society, Signature Member; Foothills Art Center, Golden, CO; International Society of Acrylic Painters, Signature Member; Arvada Fine Arts Guild; and Associate, American Watercolor Society and Associate, National Watercolor Society.

See more of her work at vallimcdougle.com.