The older son of Oscar Ghiglia, Valentino taught himself to paint at home along with his brother Paulo, despite their father's opposition to his sons taking up the profession of painting. So great was the two brothers' love of the art, however, that the father decided to introduce them to painting. He said to them, "modern painting is the vibration of color, perceived while in a special frame of mind", adding that the single source of inspiration should be nature, and that the artist must seek to avoid any kind of mannerism. Valentino's first solo show took place at the Pesaro Art Gallery in Milan.

After this exhibit, he began to work a good deal, participating in a large number of trade shows, and at the Quadrien...