Oil artist, Michelle Miller

From a large window overlooking a local golf course, artist Michelle Miller creates a world of beauty. Utilizing oil paints on canvas, Ms. Miller finds inspiration by hiking the various nature trails near her home. The Loop recently met with her at Gallery'n Gifts in Tehachapi where her work is on permanent display.

Your paintings appear very bold in texture and seem to jump off the canvas.

"I enjoy boldness of form and color. Many of my paintings are reminiscent of not only the shape and boldness of a subject but that wonderful light that played on it when I saw it".

Your medium is oil, Why?

"I am just not interested in any other. I love the creaminess of oil paint; its finished texture has a boldness I like. It's also so forgiving that if I don't like what I painted yesterday, I can just paint over the old paint."

How long have you been painting?

"Sixteen years or more. It slowed down a lot as I was raising my family and working in Aerospace. Now, in retirement, I have picked up my brush in earnest. I really never thought of myself as an artist until someone started buying them two years ago at the Bear Valley Cultural Arts Art Show and Sale. I love that the Bear Valley Cultural Artist Association puts on such a classy show over an extended period of time. We have so many artist and art lovers in Tehachapi."

A final question, how long does it take to you to finish a painting?

"On average a couple of months. I always have two easels going at a time. If I lose interest, or hit a painter's block on one, I switch over to the other easel. I have a floor full of unfinished paintings as well. I like to paint to music, either classical or smooth jazz. I tend to paint most any hour of the day, on occasion it will continue late into the night".

The 31st Bear Valley Springs Annual Art Show and Sale hosted by the Bear Valley Springs Cultural Arts Association will take place at the Oak Tree Country Club in Bear Valley Springs commencing March 28th with a meet the artist reception from 4 till 7 p.m. Art remains hung for viewing and sale until April 5th.

Arriving guests only need to notify the Bear Valley gate that they wish to attend the art event at the Country Club.