Madeline & Hailey, 58"x 36"

[Linda Nelson]

Hi All,

Sorry I haven't been around much these days. It's been a long occupying summer. I have had some fun projects for portraits these days, and am happy to have clients who give me alot of cooperation and flexibility on each piece, and it's been a privilege to test drive some styles in composition and paint texture.

Linda
;-)

[Marvin Mattelson]

Linda, I always look forward to seeing your paintings. You just keep getting better!

[Michele Rushworth]

A highly accomplished piece, Linda. I really like the freedom in the paint surface, combined with accuracy of drawing and light. Great job!

[Mike McCarty]

Linda,

What a great painting. You have a real way with the landscape, and the figures are full of light and movement.

Would you tell us how this composition came to be.

[Linda Nelson]

Thank you very much Marvin, Michele and Mike.

Mike, I don't know if you have a specific question in mind, but I can give you some background on the process. The client had liked my painting "Brenna & Callie" which is posted on an earlier unveiling. She liked a scene with water in it, as a lot of people do here in Minnesota. I scoped out this site at a public swimming area/park near their house. The client picked the outfits. The challenge during the composition point was getting their faces well lit and combining the water. This is why the view is from IN the water - to get the shoreline while the lighting on them was at a flattering angle.

The reference photo is actually a compilation of several photos pieced together.

[Allan Rahbek]

Hi Linda,

Beautiful! My first thought was:"Wow, wish that I

[Janel Maples]

Wow, I wish I'd done that.

Sorry Allan........it is what I thought too.

[Jimmie Arroyo]

Linda, all your recent posts have been stunning. I love the texture that you have been playing with. I think it's coming natural to you. I'd like to see something when you're no longer "playing". Congrats.

[Linda Nelson]

Thanks you so much Jimmie Janel and Allan. So many times I look at others work and say 'wow I wish I had done that", what I great compliment to have it said TO a piece I did!

Jimmie - yes I think this is the style I'm attracted to and fits me the most. It's like I'm trying to mix a sense of realism into an impressionistic style. As a further self analysis, I am seeing finally come through my interpretation of my personal favorites Norman Rockwell and Mary Cassat. Of course there are tons of others too, like many of the Boston School Artist, but I like Norman for his "essence" and Mary for her texture. I think both celebrate the beauty of a "simple moment" (vs. one more formally posed).

Thanks again, this has been very encouraging - I really was unsure as to how the board would receive these paintings...

[Michele Rushworth]

Funny you should mention Mary Cassatt. That's whose work I thought of first when I saw these new paintings of yours.