Vicki Braslow

“Once again I must say thank you to three wonderful ladies in my life since moving to Tehachapi seven years ago: My thanks to Flo Sussell who is responsible for making me paint again after a 37+ year lapse. My thanks to Mel White for believing I had artistic talent and asking me to join CrossRoads Gallery some years ago. And my thanks to Cyrene Crank for being my teacher and mentor. I could not have made this wonderful art journey without the three of them!

“This past summer and fall were tough for me. I said goodbye to my 90 year old father at the end of June; I said goodbye to my sweet Dachsund Mindy in September. Then I said goodbye to my beloved [husband] Geoffrey in November. He was my number one fan. I will miss his critiques greatly.

“I had started a painting just before all of the above began. It was dark and rather mysterious and it was interesting to watch it evolve on the canvas. The painting was finally finished the first week of January and what ended up on the canvas was truly amazing to me. This painting will be in my gallery window as February featured artist. I am so very proud of this creation. It is like nothing I have ever created. It speaks to me in so many different ways. I hope it speaks to each of you.

"My love of nature and landscape continues. The colors of nature are so beautiful and it is fun to watch them as they come to life in my paintings. The fact that nothing in nature is truly perfect makes it all that more fun to capture on canvas. My goal has always been to take you on a journey in each of my paintings. I truly hope that is true for you as I continue my artistic journey on canvas." .