Was born in 1950 in Cherepovets. In 1976 passed the Yaroslavl art school where his professors were A. Churin and E. Smagina. In 1984 passed Sourikov State Art Institute Moscow (professor V. Tsyplakov studio). In 1985 he joined the Union of artists of the USSR. Не is honored artist of Russia, corresponding member of the Russian Academy of arts. It is awarded by the Diploma of the Russian Academy of arts for his contribution to development of Russian art.
He come from North of Russia, this artist's oeuvre is inextricably connected with the nature and lifestyle of these equally severe and fine places.
Valery Strakhov the outstanding master of northern Russia rural and city landscape. The artist paints the nature in playful inspiration; the touch of his painting is very recognizable and afterward is for a long time imprinted in memory.

Personal exhibitions of his painting took place in Moscow (1997, 2006), Vologda (1994, 1996, 1997), Cherepovets (1994).
His works are stored in the Vologda regional picture gallery, the Vologda state historical-architectural and art memorial estate, Cherepovets museum association, Totma museum association, Vytegra regional museum, Plyoss memorial museum, and also in private collections in Russia and abroad.