Artist’s Statement...
I am an observer. Much of my work is about my observations of the places I go, the events I attend, and the people I see as I live my life. I take in the temperature, weather, the smells, the sounds and emotions and attitudes. I may sketch or take photos as a reminder. Emotionally processing it all, I note the effect these things have on me.
Later, as a painter I can artistically process it all. I break it down, reorganize, edit and expand on it. I sketch. I design, thinking in shapes. Eventually, I delight in using color, marks, textures and patterns to display my expression of the elements of the event I first experienced. Usually I do this using oil paint and or pastels.
Occasionally I enjoy painting en plein air. I try to take part in an annual event in Augusta, MO. This is a great exercise for me, as is my weekly figure painting group. In both instances, the painting event is quickened. The artist has to learn to respond to the scene in front of them. This in turn helps me when I set up still lives to paint in my studio. It’s all good. One experience feeds the other, and that’s how I continue to grow as an artist.
I studied fine art, illustration and graphic design at Florissant Valley Community College. As a graphic designer for many years, I always used my fine art skills, continuing to sketch and paint daily. Over the years I’ve studied with J. Love Seward, Doug Dawson, and Billy O’Donnell, among others.
I belong to St. Louis Artists Guild and Gateway Pastel Artists. Currently I’m a resident studio artist at the Foundry Art Centre, St, Charles, MO.My work can be seen at Framations Art Gallery in St. Charles, MO and at Art Trends Gallery in Chesterfield, MO.
I hope you enjoy this glimpse of my work.
Thank You,
Linda