Born in Siberia in 1956, Valeriy Gridnev's artistic journey began at the Art College in Sverdlovsk, a foundation that propelled him to the esteemed Academy of Fine Arts in St Petersburg. He graduated in 1990, earning the highly prestigious Gold Medal of the USSR Academy of Arts for his graduation painting, Early Years – an accolade considered the highest honour for a young artist in Russia. This recognition afforded him the invaluable opportunity to further hone his craft within the Academy's creative studio for the subsequent three years. In 1996, his exceptional talent was further acknowledged with the award of a special studio by the Union of Artists in St Petersburg. In 1999, Valeriy made the pivotal move to England, establishing himself as a professional painter. His early time in the UK saw him appointed artist in residence at the magnificent Highclere Castle, where he undertook significant portrait commissions of the late Lord Carnarvon and his family, including the present Lord. This foundational period in England quickly led to a wealth of distinguished portrait commissions across the UK, mainland Europe, and America. Today, Valeriy Gridnev works from his London studio and frequently from the homes of his many sitters, a testament to his adaptability and the personal connection he fosters with his subjects. The consistently high calibre of his work has earned him membership in some of the most prestigious artistic societies in the United Kingdom: Pastel Society (PS) – Elected in 2003Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI) – Elected in 2006Royal Society of Portrait Painters (RP) – Elected in 2011 While Valeriy's impressive oeuvre spans a diverse range of genres, it is his compelling figurative work, including his highly sought-after commissioned portraits, that he particularly favours and for which he has received the most profound acclaim. His mastery in capturing the essence and character of his subjects continues to solidify his reputation as one of the leading contemporary portrait and figurative artists.