Timmy Valentine (b. 1975) is an artist born in Monticello Illinois whose work amuses, shocks, and shakes people awake. His bold, unapologetic paintings shout, “Look at me—I have nothing to hide,” reflecting an openness that is at the core of everything he creates. Painting has always been the driving force in his life, and he feels he was born to be an artist. Mark-making has been part of his experience from the beginning, leading him to explore the infinite possibilities of paint on canvas.

In his latest body of work, Timmy is experimenting with the capabilities of acrylics, pushing the medium to capture unique textures and layers. He thrives on the immediacy of working with acrylic, embracing its demands to move quickly and intuitively. His work is a vibrant collision of playful and provocative energy, designed to hold a room and spark deeper conversations. Bold use of color serves as a bridge between the viewer and the work, inviting them to engage with the moment and awaken parts of their imagination that words cannot reach. Each painting pulses with life, offering a complete story while hinting at a larger, more complex universe.

 

Timmy lives and works in Sullivan, Illinois—a small town of 4,272 people nestled in the heart of the state’s agricultural region. While the cultural isolation presents its challenges, Timmy embraces the solitude as a space for self-awareness and artistic exploration. The limited resources and lack of external stimulation have, in fact, nurtured the growth of his authentic artistic voice, allowing him to develop a deeply personal vision. This environment has proven to be the perfect incubator for his bold, thought-provoking work, where reflection and creativity thrive.