Valeriy Gridnev

Valeriy’s style is influenced by classical masters and the expressive qualities of the Impressionists. His approach is characterised by swift execution and a focus on mood and impression. Among his key inspirations are Van Dyck, John Singer Sargent, and Claude Monet.

Over the course of his career, Gridnev has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Frank Herring Award, a Winsor and Newton Award, and The Arts Club Award from the Royal Society of Portrait Painters. In 2004, he was also a finalist in the “Not the Turner Prize” competition, further establishing his standing as a leading figure in contemporary portrait and figurative art. He has held residencies at both Highclere Castle and Keeneland and his work has been widely exhibited, most notably at London’s Mall Galleries, where he has been a consistent presence since 2000, participating in a range of prominent exhibitions.

When not painting, Valeriy enjoys visiting museums and exhibitions, drawing continuous creative energy from these experiences. As he reflects, “I loved to draw since childhood, but the great desire to become an artist came to me late, at 20. I am happy that I made this choice. Art is my life.” This lifelong passion shines through in the passionate execution of his paintings, which convey not only his technical skill but also his personality and emotion.