Portfolio

The Beginning

As a very young girl living in the country in Shelburne county, Nova Scotia, I was always attracted to color, light and shape. My parents also pointed out special effects from the sun, moon, wind, and the natural beauty around us. My Mother is a painter and my Dad was a wood carver. I strongly believe that I inherited their natural talent to some extent. For instance, when my mother and I go walking, it is not uncommon for both to reach down to pick up the same colorful leaf!

All of our four seasons in Nova Scotia brings a special beauty and joy to the heart. Remember the new sneakers for spring plus the fresh flowers popping up, one new bathing suit (in red, I hope) for summer, the fall colors falling all around you, plus the excitement of the first falling snow. One cannot live and see these natural wonders of this local area on the south shore with out visualizing these images in the mind forever.

As a military wife with 3 sons and a husband in a field regiment, life was always a challenge! During these earlier years, I worked as a secretary, raised the boys and supported my husband in his field of work. As the children became older, I started trying to capture nature's beauty with my camera. Many a photo album was filled with European and Canadian scenes.

I started my first art lesson in 1987 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. My instructors name was Gilles Proulx, a wonderful person and most beautiful artist. Thanks to Gilles "kindness, patience, and guidance", I ventured to Algonquin College and enrolled into a "Drawing All Levels" course, for the winter term.

In 1988 we were transferred back to Germany. I took a secretarial position at the Canadian High School. During this time, I was most fortunate to meet the head of the arts department, Peter Olson. Peter encouraged me to take his night courses which turned out to be educational and very interesting. Actually, I fall back on his teaching to this day.

I graduated from Adult Education in "Drawing & Painting", Advanced 1 & 2 Levels with an average in the nineties. I lived for Saturdays to go the Outdoor Market to purchase fresh flowers to paint during the week. It was so exciting.

In 1990, back in Ottawa, I took additional lessons in watercolors, a dangerous and spontaneous medium for me but I loved it.

In 1992 off to Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas we go! During the 3 years in El Paso, I started "Advanced Painting" private lessons and I graduated from North Light Art School in 1994.

In 1995, we retired to the south shore of Nova Scotia. I started fiber art the following year. Family, friends and books helped me a long this never ending journey. Pictorials are my favorite subjects for this medium.

The excitement of dyeing the wool to create color and patterns is very intriguing. This new experience has lead to other artistic endeavors, such as my home decor and silk fashions lines.

My 85 year old mother, Sylvia, continues to be my best mentor encouraging my artistic development.

On Wednesdays, I join our rug hooking group at the Yacht Club over looking Shelburne harbour. Now this is a happy creative day!

Why I am Artistically Motivated

Picture this: I live on a high hill in the country surrounded by two fresh water lakes. You cannot hear the traffic pass due to a large pine grove. On our five acres, we enjoy a large variety of birds, squirrels, partridge, deer and on occasion, a few rabbits. My life is quiet and full of natural beauty as the seasons pass. In one half hour, I can be walking by the sea!

This is the perfect spot for an artist - guaranteed motivation all year long!

2010 UPDATE

I am studying Chinese brush painting with our local fine artist "Lio Lo", plus books and videos. At this time, I am practicing the brush strokes.

This art form expresses the spirit of the artistic creation not just the form. Most exciting! My Chinese brush painting skills will eventually lead to painting on silk.

Please feel free to contact me for the additional information about my artwork. Email: linartdesigns@eastlink.ca