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14 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | SEPTEMBER 2023 By Annette Hillis, Resident Channeling her creative energies has never been a foreign concept for SDV resident Vicki Moran. Aer all, "published author" and "award-winning artist" are just two of the many accomplishments on her life resume. I've always been cray," recalls Moran, referring to her creative endeavors. To bring the watercolor portraits she so expertly produces to life, she also calls upon her skills as a "people watcher." Moran credits her mother as her biggest influence. Although she claims her mother wasn't a creative artist, she could do just about anything. She also says her role model was a true Renaissance woman who inspired her to never give up and to always pursue her dreams. When she retired, Moran began her journey into watercolors. She has long attended classes at the Hemet Valley Art Association, which not long ago named her "Featured Artist of the Year." She has more recently begun an alliance with the Temecula Valley Art League. In fact, the city of Temecula sponsored a one- woman showing of her artwork in August at e Merc, a popular entertainment venue in Old Town. "It's pretty gratifying to be recognized in the community," admits Moran. "I want people to know how much I appreciate them liking my art." With a long career in book publishing, it's no surprise that this talented woman researched, wrote, type-set, and published her own non-fiction book, Coal Creek Canyon – Tales from Times Past, about the community in which she lived. She said she loved her job in the industry because she was able to work with numerous diverse college professors in putting together textbooks, primarily history related. Moran hopes her book and her paintings will be among the achievements for which she will be remembered. But, having "two great kids" is the primary legacy she says she will be leaving to the world. "Painting literally changes the way you look at life," says Moran. And, judging by how her work is being received by others, her vision is a downright beautiful one. To see her online gallery, go to vickimoran.art. It's a Beautiful Life