My Thoughts Exactly ~ Vicky Ann

Winter is closely approaching. With it, the hot summer sun, mosquitoes, barbecues, and wearing our favorite shorts are quickly becoming distant memories. The Fall in between has been shortened at both ends this year. The masses are infusing pumpkin and spice into everything touchable, aromatic, and edible. Salads and juicy fruits are being replaced with baked goods, hot dishes, and comfort food.  Luckily, it is my favorite time of year to wander on foot with camera in hand. Hopefully, those extra calories won’t stand a chance! The colorful turning leaves and the backdrop of ever-changing skies during the Fall season can provide fascinating source photos for my paintings. Wish me luck to find them before the snow makes the leaves drop too quickly.

Vicky Ann

I should introduce myself. My name is Vicky Ann. I am a writer, painter, and photographer who loves to travel and consume music. You can find me front row center in small clubs swaying to the beats and melodies played before me. I am often surrounded by musicians, and nothing stirs the soul quite like a story set to music or told solely by the instruments. Hardcover books, Oil Paints, my camera, and Vinyl records are my most prized material possessions. You can generally find one of those items as my companion on any given day. Especially when it is cold, rainy, or snowy outside.

The smell of a recently printed, brand new hardcover book has to be one of the top aromas ever to by enjoyed. I love to read. Picking out a new book to read is almost a romantic endeavor for me. The cover and title meet your acquaintance, the author blurb gives you a glimpse into the human aspect, and the synopsis either entices you to delve deeper or put it back and look for a new companion. Once you bring it home and crack the binding, hopefully a successful romance blossoms through the words. 

The cold weather days have proven to be the best time for me to put some instrumental jazz vinyl on the turntable, get a cup of hot coffee, and write. My warmest sweater and a glass of wine can work too. I currently have two WIPS or “Works in Progress” as writers like to say. One is the first of a three-book trilogy titled Chrysalis I have dubbed my maxim opus. Unsure if I say that because I think it will be my best writing or it is just taking forever to write. I will report back on that when finished. 

The other is a tale of time travel and the pros and cons of growing up too soon titled The Paradox of Rushing. This book is inspired by watching my youngest son Nicholas grow up and leave the nest. We had intended to write it together, but he is busy living his life as an Airman in the US Military.

When I am not writing, traveling, or wandering with my camera, I am usually painting. I am a Kansas City-based Oil Painter. I paint landscapes, still life, architectural, portraits or pretty much anything. Although I predominantly use a lot of color in my pieces, I am especially drawn to creating black and white paintings. 

Ansel Adams is my favorite photographer. I like to think that shows in some of my work. I may add a little blue, Sepia tones, or other subtle color nuance to them on occasion. I love being restricted to only being able to use values and not rely on color. 

Thomas Kinkade is my favorite painter, so not a surprise I enjoy working with different lighting in my paintings. 

I am a member of Oil Painters of America and regularly show paintings at Buttonwood Art Space in Kansas City Missouri and occasionally at other galleries around the metro. I am always humbled and excited when someone connects with something I have created and chooses to take it home. It is like the first time every time.

I look forward to sharing my books with others as well. Before they are released, I want to be as excited reading them as I hope the person who chooses to read it. There are so many great books out there written by so many great authors. It is quite an honor when someone picks up your creation and takes the time to investigate it. 

I will take criticism, both positive and negative. You can’t grow in constant praise, especially if it isn’t genuine. I need a little kick in the rear every now and then. I love to read. Two rules I give myself in critiquing another artist's work--be truthful and be kind. It is all any writer could ask. Sure we all want to hear we are the next bestseller, but above all, we want to get it right for ourselves and inevitably for the reader.

It's nice to meet you. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. You can connect with me by clicking on the links below.

WEBSITE

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

Cheers,

Vicky Ann