Valen Graphic Artist for Colonus Publishing
Valen was born in San Jose, California. He graduated from San Jose State University in Communication Studies with a major in computer mediated communication. Information Architecture was his major area of study for his master’s degree in Library and Information Science, also at San Jose State. He has studied Digital Art with Bert Monroy, Corey Barker, Derek Lea and Don Seegmiller. He learned the basics of acrylic painting and drawing with Charles Sovek. Valen’s favorite media are: pen and ink, watercolor, egg tempera, pastels, charcoal, and acrylic.
For his digital work, Valen draws with a Wacom Intuos3 9×12 tablet. His interest in digital painting attracted him to the project of creating the Colonus Publishing Web site. Digital art appeals to him because he has precision and control over his strokes, and can fix mistakes quickly and easily. He enjoys the ability to save several copies and versions of the same piece, something that is not possible with traditional media. There are no toxic chemicals to breathe or touch. There are fewer hassles with support, and no time spent waiting for paint to dry. He does, however, claim that there are instances when watching paint dry is entertaining.
His interest in the book design and illustration of Leaving Parma grew out of his development and design of the Colonus Publishing Web site and from his response to scenes from Leaving Parma.
