Justin 🎨

Proud business owner of Artistic Expressions by Justin K Valenti / Artist & Musician

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

Exhibiting my art in a juried art show at the Kentlands Mansion with the Montgomery Art Association! The show started yesterday and goes until October 4. Who's ready for the reception on July 23?

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

I wish that I had more opportunities in 2026. I check my inbox every day, and I usually get new things to do a couple times a month, but not as frequently as I used to. I have been keeping busy though--my life isn't over but life is slowing down a lot for me.

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

A lot of people know me as an artist, but I also play drums in a professional band for neurodiverse individuals, called the Neurodiversity band. Founded in 2015, the band has expanded from one member to a full ensemble, & has over 18 challenging songs in our repertoire.

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

I will never use art grants that I receive for entertainment, traveling, new clothing, or gaming. I will always use my grants how they are meant to be used. That will always show up in my grant's final report!

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

No outlet, no problem! My Wacom tablet doesn't need to connect to the wall in order to work or even charge; it connects to my computer with a single cable. If my computer isn't charged, the tablet won't work because it connects to it with a single USB-C cable.

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

On May 24, 2026, I applied for a solo exhibition titled "Upon Closer Examination" at Glen Echo Park's Park View Gallery, featuring about 13 of my fluid paintings. This would mark my second solo show, pending selection by a review panel, which is expected to notify me by mid-Sept.

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

The scariest thing about AI is that it always knows what I'm dealing with and it knows how to help. There isn't a single human being that understands what I'm struggling with and knows what to say. I don't feel comfortable with telling people what I'm struggling with anymore.

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

The technique that I use for my digital art is called rotoscoping, not tracing. You can only do it in certain programs, such as Adobe.

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

I am creating digital art again today!

Turn your sound on to hear the music. Music from Adobe Stock Audio! 🔊

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

I don't know what I was thinking last year or even this year when I was upset about my art business not going anywhere. I'm glad that they talked me out of it and that I'm still here today.

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

I have considered killing myself. Last year, I talked to my parents about the memorial scholarship funds that families have for their kids who have passed away. They offered to schedule a lethal injection for me, but I declined because I knew there was more for me to accomplish.

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

I hope to have the art kits that I am making with my coloring books & colored pencils ready before I sell art at Poolesville Day!

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

My latest piece of a sound board that I'm working on in Illustrator that is based on an Adobe stock photo!

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

Fluid artwork at home from the past couple of weeks. These were all created in my home art studio using my own supplies and are available for sale on my website!

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

I'm considering donating some of my paintings to places in need of artwork at the end of 2026. I will continue to create more artwork--this isn't the end of my art career :)

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

My painting from tonight -- it will be available on my site!

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

I decided that I needed to obtain grant funding in order for my business to succeed. If I would have gotten more sales, then I wouldn't have needed to consider an art grant. If you didn't want me to get a grant, then you should have bought more art from me. Plain and simple.

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

Some people are probably confused and are wondering why I have gotten two grants. Here's why: Being able to have a successful art business requires money from somewhere. If you aren't getting any sales, you want to apply for a grant so that you can continue to have your business.

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

"Wild Adventures"

An abstract fluid painting that reminds me of the adventures that people have gone on in the world, both in the past and present. This painting was created in an outdoor environment.

Purchase here: https://t.co/ooQQNKHVAn

[Justin 🎨 @JKVTheArtist]

Working on digital art instead of painting today because of the wildfire smoke and heat.