The Artist Challenge

35 responses so far ↓

• 1 Rusty // Dec 24, 2011 at 12:52 pm

  Incredible work…leaves me speechless as I see them all together!!! An inspration….

• 2 Lelan // Dec 24, 2011 at 4:47 pm

  Even I am seeing pieces in here that I haven’t before. An absolutely impressive body of work; equal parts technique and intuition. I stand humbled in the presence of her tribute gallery, and her presence will be sorely missed. You have some intimidating shoes to fill, Rusty, but if anyone can do it, it’s you. Best of luck to you both. Vikki – words simply aren’t sufficient… thank you for the gifts of the Challenge and Pub and for your work. You have taught me much.

• 3 Kay Malouff // Dec 27, 2011 at 3:33 pm

  So glad to have gotten to know you and your work.
  And I appreciate the support you give me & other artists.
  I will miss you.
  I wish you all the best in whatever you have in your future!
  K.

• 4 Sarah // Dec 27, 2011 at 5:23 pm

  Such a feast for our eyes!! Thank you.

• 5 Ray Shuell // Dec 29, 2011 at 5:37 am

  God Bless, Vikki. Thanks for everything.

• 6 Deb MacNeil // Dec 30, 2011 at 10:23 am

  Thank you Vikki for all of your hard work on this site! Although I am fairly new to the challenge, it has been so much fun because of your commitment and that means so much to me (and everyone I’m sure!) It has been such a pleasure and privilege to be part of what you started! Thank you, I will miss you, and your beautiful work!
  Deb

• 7 Rose Altom // Jan 2, 2012 at 6:22 pm

  So much talent on one page! I will miss your welcoming presence. You have no idea how much you do to encourage us ‘newbees’. Thank you.

• 8 Lisa Carney // Jan 3, 2012 at 10:46 am

  Thank you Vikki for your support and passion for art. Your hard work is greatly appreciated and you will be missed.

  Hugs,
  Lisa xoxoxo

• 9 The Host // Jan 31, 2012 at 7:56 pm

  We are all saddened by the loss of such an inspiring person as Vikki. We are better for having her lived on this earth; better for her insight; and better for her kick tail spunk. Vikki is at peace.

• 10 Dana Aldis // Jan 31, 2012 at 8:24 pm

  Vikki your vision, dedication and generosity was what compelled me to keep up with the Artist Challenge. I am happy to have known you. You are loved, and will be missed.

• 11 Karin // Jan 31, 2012 at 8:37 pm

  Your voice will be greatly missed Vikki, though the echoes resonate through all you have created – through your art, and through the community of artist’s you built and enchanted with your wit, humor and inspiration we remain connected and forever grateful. Blessings and bon voyage. ????

• 12 Cheri Homaee // Jan 31, 2012 at 8:45 pm

  Miss you Vikki

• 13 Linda Apple // Jan 31, 2012 at 9:11 pm

  My heart is sadden by the loss but I feel honored to have known such a wonderful loving person.
  Her great spunk and joyful energy will truly be missed. I can imagine that with her determination and wit, she is probably watching over us!
  I sure loved you!!

• 14 heather // Jan 31, 2012 at 9:13 pm

  I have no words, I am so saddened by this loss. Vikki I am happy you are no longer suffering but you will truly be miss.

• 15 Therese Bushen // Jan 31, 2012 at 9:29 pm

  I just wish I had met you sooner Vikki, but glad for the little time I knew you. You are with the great artist in the sky, and I am looking forward to some great sunsets, sunrises, & night skies painted by your talented & generous hands. You will be missed!

• 16 Sonya Meglaurel // Jan 31, 2012 at 9:48 pm

  my mentor, my inner mirror, my hero – and my sister in another life

  you taught exceptionally well and left your stroke on each and every one

  who will miss you when your gone–

  i do

  long to hear your laugh that haunts me still- at life at oneself
  I hear you I miss you rest dear heart not alone

• 17 Chaotic Tranquility // Jan 31, 2012 at 9:55 pm

  I never lacked for encouragement where Vikki was concerned. Unspeakable talent and a spirit to match, she blazed a trail that took her and those fortunate enough to be around her into bold and new realities. She will be sorely missed.

• 18 Pauline Adair // Jan 31, 2012 at 10:11 pm

  An inspiration to all, Vikki will be sadly missed here.
  My thoughts and prayers are with her family and close friends.

• 19 Gwen Bell // Jan 31, 2012 at 10:12 pm

  I am stunned and speechless at your loss. You were such an inspiration and talent in both your artwork and story telling. You brought so much joy and friendship into the Challenge. I will miss you more than I can say.

  Love,
  Gwen

• 20 Manuela Valenti // Jan 31, 2012 at 11:24 pm

  Vikki, I met you years ago online by mere coincidence, and from that moment on it was like we knew each other our entire lives. We always said if we lived closer we would be in each other’s lives like if we were sisters or the best of friends. You impacted my life in ways that I never thought possible. We admired and respected each other, and were fans of each other’s work. You always had encouraging words and were there on the moments I needed your guidance the most. You’re one of the most talented artists I’ve known and one of the most beautiful souls I had the fortune to come in contact with in this life. I can proudly say it was a real honor knowing you and be a part of your life. I feel our time was too short though, but I’m at peace because I know you’re ok now. I wish you the best on this wonderful and incredible adventure you’re about to embark my friend, I’m sure you’re gonna have a blast. Don’t forget to stop by to say a last goodbye, like we talked about. Goodbye my friend… I know I’ll see you on the other side so we can paint together those beautiful skies.

  All my love,

  Manuela

• 21 Nan Johnson // Jan 31, 2012 at 11:42 pm

  So sad to hear. I am sure that God had the brushes & easel ready for her when she arrived in heaven, and I, for one, will never look upon a colorful sunset in quite the same way. Thank you Vikki, for your beautiful work & inspiration. You will be missed.

• 22 Lelan // Feb 1, 2012 at 12:12 am

  Thank you, Vikki. You rest now, you hear? Peace well-deserved and never-ending is now yours. Don’t worry about the the work, old girl – we’ll keep it going strong and carry your legacy with us. Smile knowing that we are all better for knowing you.

• 23 Brian Weber // Feb 1, 2012 at 12:19 am

  Maybe it’s because you’re the only person who ever called me a “mensch” (I had to look it up to make sure it was a good thing), but even though we only knew each other through some fun email conversations, I have tears in my eyes for you tonight Vikki. I’m in my library now with Harry, Sherlock, Charlie, and Alfred. We all miss you already.

• 24 Kimberley Heffley // Feb 1, 2012 at 12:23 am

  Even though I didn’t know you long or well I will be forever grateful that even though I lacked the confidence to call myself an artist you allowed me to feel a part of this community. Thank you.

• 25 Arti // Feb 1, 2012 at 4:27 am

  I am quite stunned to hear this.I have known Vikki as a strong, vivacious and supportive kind of person, not to mention as a great painter.I have been reading Rusty’s mails about her illness; but it will be my greatest regret that I did not send any on my part, to wish her well to support her through it.I did not ,for a moment, think that we were going to lose her.I am so sorry…Love you and miss you, Vikki. We will keep your work going.

• 26 lceel // Feb 1, 2012 at 9:16 am

  At the moment I am working on two books – works of fiction that I hope will be received well when they are finally done. The thing is, I would not have found my voice as a writer if not for Vikki. The characters I created at her behest, first, Jakob Vobescu and then, “The Kid”, will live in my mind and heart forever – and as they live, so shall Vikki. In my heart. In my mind.

  She had such an incredible talent. She could paint in so many styles – she was even once selected by the Norman Rockwell Society because her work so closely modeled his.

  I saw the email from Rusty last night and I wanted to respond immediately, and I realized I couldn’t. How do you find words to say when your heroes die? How do you speak when those you love and admire suddenly aren’t there anymore? I will miss that “whiskey voice”. I will miss that charm, that loving support, that loving spirit. I hope that Heaven has brushes, paint and canvas. I hope God will sit still long enough for a portrait.

• 27 Lauren Finn // Feb 1, 2012 at 10:43 am

  What a talent… I hadn’t seen all of these paintings before. Vikki’s other talent was inspiring the rest of us, with her gentle prodding and selfless work organizing the Artist Challenge. You will be missed.

• 28 Sarah // Feb 1, 2012 at 12:30 pm

  Vikki, thank you. I echo all the perfectly stated sentiments before me. I’m going to take a part of your generous inspiration to keep and carry me forward always. Mischief will be had at every good opportunity, I promise! (My doorknobs are now ready for rattling and my curtains for waving.)

• 29 Gail Allen // Feb 1, 2012 at 6:14 pm

  Vikki, it was such a wonderful gift and honor to have known you, (I am especially thankful to Rusty for bringing me into the fold). The beauty of your work clearly reflects the unique beauty of your soul. We all have people who come into our lives, touching our souls so deeply and with such eloquence that we are forever changed. You were such an encouraging mentor in the metamorphosis of my career. Your wit and wisdom guided me, and gave me moments of well needed laughter during the toughest chapter of my life. You will be sadly missed here in The Artists Challenge, but I am sure we will all be able to look forward to an eventful “visit” from you that will bring a chuckle and a smile. Godspeed, young lady.

• 30 Rina Thau // Feb 2, 2012 at 9:12 am

  I am compelled to add my condolences to those of many others on the recent passing of Vickie.

  Her quality contributions to the art world, be it in support of the CBS Sunday Morning portfolio, or the many other endeavors, provided encouragement to many striving artists who would otherwise go unnoticed.

  She unknowingly touched many lives in a consistent and positive way—we were all the better to have known her and blessed to be her friend.

  She will be sincerely missed in our minds and hearts.

  Respectfully,
  Rina Thau

• 31 Paul Pinson // Feb 3, 2012 at 12:10 pm

  Where are you going to dance, Miss Vikki?
  What new challenge to you imagine?
  Went into another world that you will miss it.
  Sadness is a small word.
  Your presence will always be in the heart of the Challenge.
  With love I say “Goodbye”

  Où étes vous aller danser, Miss Vikki?
  Quel nouveau défi aller vous imaginez?
  Envolée dans une autre dimension vous manquerez à celle ci.
  Tristesse est un petit mot.
  Votre présence sera toujours dans le cœur du défi.
  Avec amour je vous dis “Adieu“

  Paul

• 32 renate arends // Feb 3, 2012 at 4:29 pm

  Even though I’ve known you’ve never personally I will never forget your beautiful paintings. I am shocked to hear that you’re no longer with us. I wish all your family and friends all the strength to bear this loss. xxx

• 33 Holly S. North // Feb 3, 2012 at 9:35 pm

  My brother Robby and I want to thank everyone for their kind words. We hope our mother is remembered for her enormous talent and what her artwork brought to this world. We appreciate that you all have us in your thoughts and prayers during this time. <3

• 34 Ray Shuell // Feb 7, 2012 at 4:40 am

  Vikki, what words can I add to those above, you were so very special to so many people. I once wrote in a writers challenge on this site, a postscript to a submitted poem which went thus: “The level of our sharing is a measure of the love we are giving.”, and Vikki, you shared so very much with all of us. Miss you!

• 35 June Saville // Feb 10, 2012 at 1:11 am

  We bloggie people will miss Vikki’s wonderful kindness, sense of humour, her brilliance as an artist, her ability to communicate such joy, fun and mateship across the internet miles. I admired so much her energy and her persistence.
  Too early. Far too early …
  Peace my friend
  June in Oz
  of Journeys in Creative Writing

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