Artist + Graphic Designer
Valerie Hou is an emerging abstract artist based in Silver Spring, Maryland, passionate about sharing her work throughout the DMV art scene. With roots in New Jersey and a strong foundation in fine arts, Valerie’s creative journey began with oil painting and charcoal drawing before she pursued a BFA in Graphic Design at Susquehanna University. Her multidisciplinary background—spanning over seven years in social marketing, advertising, and publication design continues to inform her visual storytelling and artistic expression.
Currently working as a full time graphic designer, Valerie has recently returned to her fine arts practice, reconnecting with painting and drawing as a way to explore emotion, movement, and the natural world. Her work is deeply inspired by her surroundings—whether it’s the time spent outside running through Rock Creek and Sligo Creek, her travels, or her love for interior design and photography. She often captures fleeting emotional impressions through earthy tones, pastel palettes, and sweeping brushstrokes.
Valerie’s artistic voice is evolving as she immerses herself in the vibrant creative community of Washington, D.C., attending exhibitions, exploring museums, and engaging in plein air ink drawings. She hopes to continue sharing her work across the DMV, connect with fellow artists, and one day be sponsored by galleries that support her emerging talent.
Abstract and Soulful Art for the Dream-seekers and Adventurers
I am a self-motivated graphic designer and abstract artist based in Silver Spring, MD. My work is inspired by the natural world, my interest in photography, and the observations I make when spending time outdoors. I blend the natural world with imagination through expressive color, texture, and fluid forms, showing the rhythms of nature, and inviting viewers to reflect, pause, and discover their own meaning within shifting forms and flowing color. Many of my pieces reflect earthy warm and pastel tones, along with sweeping brushstrokes that suggest the powerful energy and movement of my subjects.
MY ART JOURNEY
Early Art Years
This involved attending art classes, pre college programs, exploring different mediums, experiencing different places and museums and meeting people along the way!
Building the Foundation
I learned technical skills in charcoal and oil paint, learning to see and play with lights, shadows, and colors. This gave me basic foundation training which helped pave the way for other opportunities in my later years as a creative.
Stepping into Graphic Design
I decided I wanted to go to school for graphic design and attended Susquehanna University BFA program for graphic design with a minor in French. I’ve learned to become a well-rounded designer which has helped me secure my first job as a corporate designer in DC after graduation.
Be a collector and own a one-of-a-kind artwork
Take the leap and commission
a custom painting!
Custom commissioned paintings are the perfect accent to a cozy home, hair salon, coffee shop, restaurant, or studio. If you’re ready to add that extra level of visual sensation and originality to your surroundings,
I’m just a connection away.
