Riding a bike the way Linda does takes a lot of exertion. That she burns calories as she whizzes through the landscape there is no doubt. But what she gains is more subtle. Forms blur their way into her brain, are stored there and often make an appearance in her abstract paintings. Likewise everyday colorful home objects and special rooms in the interior of her home, also penetrate her psyche and accumulate there until called upon when she faces a new blank canvas. With brush in hand and acrylic paints at the ready, those stockpiled sensations emerge and turn into colorful complex shapes and forms.

For Linda, painting is a delicate balance between discipline and careful planning (which works well in most of the other aspects of her life) and freedom. “Although I establish some limitations and parameters in painting, the objective for me is freedom. Freedom of expression and freedom from some preconceived image or idea. With artistic expression one is bound, indeed one must, produce that which is innovative and original. This kind of freedom is demanding!”

Structure and discipline provide the playground for Linda’s openness to inventive expression. Being vulnerable to one’s intuition concerning chosen places or objects (which are the roots of her paintings), allows Linda creative leeway. Summarizing, she affirms, “I allow myself to leave parts in, leave parts out, come in close, back up (but not so much), choose colors that I like that day, add drawing, and add collage if I want to.” After painting extemporaneously for a while, she begins to make judgments and decisions. “If I’m lucky, the painting may be finished or close to finished in one session,” says Linda, “If so, the painting has painted itself, or at least it seems that way.”

Such ease is rarely the case, however, so changes need to be made to some colors or shapes until all is harmonious. “That’s when I apply reason and knowledge of the basic principles of art--composition, color, etc. Sometimes it helps to look back at the source for ideas. Sometimes it is better to proceed from the stopping point using what is suggested from the painting itself. Sometime it is better to start a new painting,” Linda reflects.

Linda’s June solo at Touchstone Gallery, Home is where the Art Is, reflects her way of painting. Through texture, emotional content, and layers upon layer of nuanced paint, viewers will discern the beauty of living at the center or heart of her home: the place where painting and freedom of expression thrives. Rosemary Luckett

June 3-26 Touchstone Gallery; Opening Reception June 3, 6-8:30 pm

901 New York Avenue NW Washington DC 20001 202-347-2787 www.touchstonegallery.com info@touchstonegallery.com

Hours: Wednesday Friday 11-6, Saturday Sunday 12-5