Lion (Collection Piece #2)

Anna Tasheva, Uzbekistan

I believe every painting begins long before the first brushstroke. Mine began the day I left home. I was born in Ukraine and now live in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Yet one of the most defining chapters of my life began when I moved alone to the United States. In a new country, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, language, and culture, I experienced loneliness, uncertainty, and the quiet challenge of starting over. During that time, I picked up a paintbrush—not because I dreamed of becoming an artist, but because I needed a place where I could breathe. Painting became my refuge. It helped me process emotions that words could not express and reminded me that even in the most unfamiliar places, it is possible to create something beautiful. Over time, I realized that art was no longer simply something I enjoyed—it had become an inseparable part of who I am. As my passion grew, I devoted myself to learning and refining my craft. I studied with the American landscape painter and instructor Kevin Hill, whose guidance in light, atmosphere, texture, and color deepened my understanding of oil painting while encouraging me to develop my own artistic voice. Perhaps because of my own journey, I am naturally drawn to subjects that speak of resilience. Majestic mountains, powerful animals, and quiet moments in nature have become recurring themes in my work. To me, they are more than beautiful landscapes or portraits—they are symbols of strength, hope, and the quiet courage to keep moving forward. They remind us that true strength is often calm, silent, and deeply rooted. I work primarily in oil, allowing each painting to develop through layers of color, texture, and light. Some of my works are filled with bold, energetic palettes, while others embrace soft, muted tones. Every brushstroke is intentional, shaped by the emotion and story I want to share. More than anything, I want my paintings to become places of peace. I hope that when someone lives with one of my works, they feel what I once searched for myself—a sense of calm, strength, and belonging. If a painting encourages someone to pause, breathe more deeply, or rediscover the beauty that still exists in the world, then it has fulfilled its purpose. Art runs deeply in my family. My great-great-grandmother was an artist, and I believe the ability to see, feel, and express the world through imagery has become part of my heritage. Today, I continue that legacy through every painting I create. My work is ultimately a reflection of gratitude—for nature, for resilience, and for the belief that no matter how difficult life becomes, beauty has the power to heal, connect us, and help us find our way home. Every painting I create is an invitation to pause, breathe, and remember that beauty still has the power to heal.