We begin this interview with Linda sharing that she is a native Texan with a deep-rooted passion for art that began in high school in Victoria, Texas. Inspired by her father and a renowned artist uncle from Portland, Oregon, Linda's artistic journey took shape early on. After serving three years
in the Marine Corps, she pursued formal art education at Victoria Junior College and further honed her skills at the Texas Academy of Art in Houston, completing an
intensive eighteen-month graphic arts program.

Linda's professional career spanned roles as an Art Director for two printing companies
and as a key member of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Graphics Department. Following her retirement, Linda dedicated herself to oil and pastel painting, with a particular focus on plein air techniques. Her primary subjects are nature and animals, reflecting her deep appreciation for the natural world.

Texas artist Bob Rohm introduced Linda to plein air pastel painting, while Albert Handell remains a significant influence on her work.

Linda now resides in Lakeway, Texas, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her artistic contributions to the Lakeway area are celebrated in Lew Carlson's book, "Lakeway: Hill
Country Community," which features several of her paintings.

This is our starting point into Linda's diverse background. Now let's dig a little deeper and learn what drives her on her art journey.

Q: When did you join APS? Are you a member of any other societies? And which ones?

A: I joined APS in either 2003 or 2004 and served as the Non-Juried Show Chair and Vice President. I am also a member of PSA, OPA, AIS, PAPNM, Studio Texas and Red Rock Pastel Society.

Q: Tell us about when you started taking your art to a professional level? When was that and what told you to make the leap?

A: I started volunteering in 1992 hanging art in galleries. In one show I was responsible for hanging 200 works. Eventually, I held my first one person show in 1998. I currently have work hanging at the Bee Caves Arts Foundation.

Q: Do you work in any other mediums? Which do you prefer and why?

A: I work equally in oils and pastel with my most recent focus on water-themed work. I find both mediums balance and help each other. I do more oil work indoors.

Q: How do you choose your subject matter? Do you ever paint in a series?

A: Living part of the year in Lakeway I find I do a lot of works that include water. I did a series of 175 paintings of the lake in 6x8 with a date and time stamp recording the lake levels. These were done in oil. When in Santa Fe I do mountains, streams and adobe.

Q: What do you like and/or dislike about entering exhibitions?

A: I predominantly enter online shows. In person is hard and expensive with shipping costs. It is a way to get your work out there and gain exposure.

Q: Where do you want to see your art career in five years?

A: I hope to be in a Santa Fe gallery.

Q: What artists do you most admire?

A. Albert of course, but I also like Richard Schmid, Frank Reaugh, Vie Dunn-Harr and Donna Howell-Sickles.

Q: What is some of the best art advice you've received? And do you have any personal advice for our new members as they pursue their art?

A: The best advice I've ever received is to focus on a good block-in then don't overwork it as you work to finish (that is sometimes hard to do). Try to keep it loose and fresh. My advice to share is if you don't see where you want to go next in your painting, drop the brush or stick and take a break. And most importantly remember to step back from the painting every few minutes, take a photograph (looking at the photo can reveal any problems) and come back. For me I just want to keep improving!

"What can I say! I'm a realist. I like living in the real world and painting my impressions of it. Nature is real and is a big part of what inspires me. But I'm not a realist who needs to paint every hair on a cat or every rock in the stream."

Editor's Note: From someone watching Linda's career from the cheap seats she has surely accomplished her goals and keeps climbing.