The Loop Newspaper - Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide

Gallery 'n' Gifts is delighted to spotlight Michelle Miller, one of their members, as guest artist for the month of December. Miller is a native Californian and has a passion for landscape oil painting.

She began painting after she retired and became a grandmother.

Miller stated "I don't think of anything except how the next brushstroke will give me the 'feel' I am looking for in my landscapes." She went on to say "I often trim my brushes, use cotton swabs, tooth picks and anything else I think will help me to achieve the desired effect for the painting. I prefer using stretched canvas, but occasion I use artist board. I love the process of painting wet paint into wet paint, with the way it flows together to give a marvelous effect.

Millers enchantment with nature began as a young girl. Being a lifelong hiker and camper she enjoyed the luxury of taking umpteen photos, that have served as inspiration for her work.

There are artists of different natures within her family and she felt inspired by many of their accomplishments.. Vacationing with her cousin in the Sierras and the southwest, she enjoyed painting "En Plein Air".

Although it came to her later in life, she now finds it difficult to imagine her life without the enjoyment of oil painting.

Everyone at Gallery 'n' Gifts are looking forward to Miller's show, Dec. 4 from 5-8 p.m.

Bundle up and come out and share the evening at Gallery 'n' Gifts is located at 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd. Open daily from10 to 5.

Winter hours will begin after Christmas and will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.