Diane Flick

The Slow Ride of Millie Tinker, Oil Painting

2025

Artist Comments
An ostrich glides forward on colorful roller skates, balancing a gramophone, books, and an apple on its back. Headphones rest over its ears, and a carrot dangles just out of reach. Artist Diane Flick describes this as a reflection of late summer’s best moments—when daylight lingers, and we celebrate the past while anticipating what is ahead. That is when this delicate dance is at its apex. We hold onto cherished things, move toward new destinations, and leave behind sacred places. In this moment, we skate through life—collecting, discarding, and overlooking hidden treasures along the way.

About the Artist
Artist Diane Flick depicts surrealist scenes that explore human experiences through inanimate objects. She shows sentience to non-sentient beings through the lenses of playfulness, emotional warmth, and dramatic childlike imagination. "Each piece makes me feel really happy," shares Diane. "First in concept, then in execution, then in the flow of sending it out for someone else to enjoy." She relishes animating her subjects in her works, bringing newness and segues into disparate themes from the same intention and philosophy. She pursued her MA at California State University to sharpen her craft. She then worked as a graphic designer, moved to San Francisco, and answered an ad to teach art. Today, she lets her imagination run free at her home studio, built by her husband, with her help. The wonderful sunshine and fresh air offer the perfect environment for her to paint with ease. Diane continues to teach at an after-school art program, sharing her knowledge while keeping her inspired. Relaxing and unwinding mean she gets to spend her spare time with her husband and two sons.

Words that describe this painting: ostrich, skater, skates, roller skates, skating, roller skating, gramophone, apple, books, headphones, colorful, feathers, feathery, textures, bird, carrot, fantasy, animals, surrealism, oil painting, grey

The Slow Ride of Millie Tinker
Diane Flick
Oil painting on cradled wood panel
Finished edges
Ready to hang
One-of-a-kind
Signed on front
2025
38.75 in. h x 24 in. w x 1.87 in. d
6 lbs. 14 oz.