Born in 1964, in Russia, Gromov was the great-grandson of an accomplished artist. Surrounded by the art of his relative, regaled with stories that related the paintings to specific areas of own childhood experiences, he studied the subjects captured on canvas, learning what inspired his great grandfather. Drawn to oil and canvas at age 12 Valery started painted. He graduated from the Donetsk Art College. In 1993 he was accepted as a student of an esteemed Professor Kichko, participating in annual exhibitions for the Academy's students during his five year studies.

Gromov fell in love with rainy days in St. Petersburg and Paris. He chose to live for long periods in the beautiful city of Paris. His Paris, rain washed and nostalgic, has now become the "true" Paris to many who admire his talent and ability to see beauty in everything.

Gromov says, "I love this momentary feeling of beauty and regret the feeling must pass. This is why in my Paris or St. Petersburg so many reflections - people, lights, horses, cabs, trees are shown both in real life and as a memory. Sometimes a figure is gone, but the reflection is still there. I do not see my goal as trying to create new, super modern style. Like my beloved Renoir I feel creating art is a desire, almost illness if you wish, that possesses you, overpowers and compels you to follow this desire. I love French art, love Lautrec, Manet, Bonnard, and De La Croix. I love their desire to live, to love, their ability to be carried away. I want those who look at my art to be carried away by the beauty, emotion and nostalgic feel of the artwork I create. This and love for my wife and children are the most important things in my life."