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How did you get started?
When I was about 27 years old and recently divorced, I saw a matchbook that said “Draw Me”— “you might be able to earn a scholarship for free art classes.” I filled out the application and submitted some (really bad) drawings and although I didn’t win a scholarship, I did start the program (very low cost). They were wonderful with their self-discipline (I am a procrastinator) to get the lessons in and soon I couldn’t wait to get the response back to make corrections and go on to the next lesson.
Later I remarried, and we were almost finished building a new house. My husband asked me (I kid you not), what would I like to be when I grew up. I immediately responded “An Artist, the best I can be.” The next day when I came home from work, he had built me a studio, complete with art boards, cupboards for storage and every imaginable thing I could use to be successful. “Now,’” he said, “It’s up to you! I give you one year.”
Describe a memorable moment from your pursuit of art and/or any schooling:
Being at the right place, the right time and the right subject matter. My husband and I were both interested in history, especially of historical Clay County, Mo. We worked at, and enjoyed, the historical society in Excelsior Springs. They loved the idea of having historical buildings of the area recreated in pen-and-ink drawings.
That summer the historical Elms Hotel was sold to a Kansas City couple, the Bisbee’s. My husband took some of the drawings to show them and they were enthusiastic and suggested I set up the drawings in the lobby. With the renovation of the hotel, a five star dining menu and service as well as the good will of the hotel and local citizens I became a “star”. This launched me as a creditable artist.
Why do you do art?
I guess it just comes naturally. My grandmother was an excellent painter. As a child I would creep down the stairs during the night and watch her during her “spare” time, which was minimal with nine children on a farm.
I learned from crayons and pencils how to create different textures and colors by making paper doll clothes from my imagination. (Later I would see some similar drawings by other designers come alive using the same techniques I had applied in my drawings.)
How did you get started?
When I was about 27 years old and recently divorced, I saw a matchbook that said “Draw Me”— “you might be able to earn a scholarship for free art classes.” I filled out the application and submitted some (really bad) drawings and although I didn’t win a scholarship, I did start the program (very low cost). They were wonderful with their self-discipline (I am a procrastinator) to get the lessons in and soon I couldn’t wait to get the response back to make corrections and go on to the next lesson.
Later I remarried, and we were almost finished building a new house. My husband asked me (I kid you not), what would I like to be when I grew up. I immediately responded “An Artist, the best I can be.” The next day when I came home from work, he had built me a studio, complete with art boards, cupboards for storage and every imaginable thing I could use to be successful. “Now,’” he said, “It’s up to you! I give you one year.”
Describe a memorable moment from your pursuit of art and/or any schooling:
Being at the right place, the right time and the right subject matter. My husband and I were both interested in history, especially of historical Clay County, Mo. We worked at, and enjoyed, the historical society in Excelsior Springs. They loved the idea of having historical buildings of the area recreated in pen-and-ink drawings.
That summer the historical Elms Hotel was sold to a Kansas City couple, the Bisbee’s. My husband took some of the drawings to show them and they were enthusiastic and suggested I set up the drawings in the lobby. With the renovation of the hotel, a five star dining menu and service as well as the good will of the hotel and local citizens I became a “star”. This launched me as a creditable artist.
Why do you do art?
I guess it just comes naturally. My grandmother was an excellent painter. As a child I would creep down the stairs during the night and watch her during her “spare” time, which was minimal with nine children on a farm.
I learned from crayons and pencils how to create different textures and colors by making paper doll clothes from my imagination. (Later I would see some similar drawings by other designers come alive using the same techniques I had applied in my drawings.)
Do you have a website or can people contact you if they want to hire you and, if so, how?
Some of my art is currently displayed on a web page LDavidCollections.com. I can be contacted for commissions or other artwork at (316) 835-2060. I am looking forward to a showing at Norm’s Coffee Shop in Newton. (Editor’s note: Her work is on display there through the end of January, and Linda will be at Norm's from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays working on a drawing if anyone wants to watch.) More about Linda
AGE and town: Mature person, Halstead
Type of fine art you’re involved in: Graphite pencil is still my choice for sketching and preliminary drawing. Corrections are easy then. I moved on to watercolor pencils when I lived in Hawaii. Easy to carry and use with a sketch book or drawing board, Hawaii is color and texture. I love oils and the ability for detail; acrylics are great for more of a fast medium but they dry so quickly I have to use them differently, more like the impressionists. I gave up on watercolors a long time ago; it’s a whole different talent and I figured I had enough to work on. I like to try different mediums but generally come back these days to my basics.
Coming back: I have recently returned to Halstead where I have my “sort of” adopted family. I developed a deep friendship some 40+ years ago with Beth Van Natta (teacher and sculptor) and her family, and have been able to reconnect with past friends within the community of Halstead and Harvey County.
What do you like about your art? The thing I like most about my art is the process. Printmaking requires an enormous amount of time and dedication to create a plate or a block from which to print. The time and effort that goes into making each one makes the product more rewarding.
