Linda Porten

Bio and Artist’s Statement:

I grew up in a land of big skies and rolling prairies in North Dakota where fields of wheat wave gently on breezy summer afternoons. The tranquility of this vast open multi-hued landscape lingers in my mind as I explore the subtleties of light and color in my paintings. My love of watercolors began when I first saw the way watercolors sparkle when placed on the paper and seem almost alive as they flow together or stand stiffly apart, each intent on making its own statement.

When doing landscapes, I usually make quick watercolor sketches on location and do the larger watercolors in the studio. I also like to do large abstract paintings, but for these I prefer the easy blending quality and quick drying time of acrylics. I do many drawings in ink, especially trees at the edge of local tidal creeks where they struggle to hold on to life as erosion undermines their hold on the soil.

My paintings reflect my life experience. The undulations of the prairie, my love of nature, my involvement in the world of microbiology, and my quest for spiritual understanding all appear in one way or another. My focus on flowers and plants reflects my love of my garden where I grow most of the flowers in my paintings

I am aware that each painting records one moment in time–a scene that was not the same a moment ago, and will not be the same a moment from now. I believe Edward Hopper captured life’s defining moments in his art and I strive to incorporate them in mine. I have studied art in North Dakota, Texas, and Virginia. But my art matured while working with scores of artists during the years I was Assistant Director of The Art League School in Alexandria, VA.

I have exhibited and won awards in North Dakota, Texas and Virginia. Most recently I have shown at Green Spring Gardens Park, George Washington’s River Farm – The American Horticultural Center, Northern Virginia Community College, The Art League Gallery in Alexandria, VA, and The Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology. I have work in private collections in the United States, Guam, England, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Peru. The Art League Gallery and E.C. May Fine Art in Alexandria, VA, Water and Queen Studio, Tappahannock, VA and Teddy’s Village Gallery in Medora, ND currently represent me. I am a member of Springfield Art Guild and The Art League, Alexandria, VA. My work can be seen on my web site, www.linda-porten.com and web sites for the Springfield Art Guild, www.springfieldartguild.com.

Linda Porten

6848 Silver Ann Drive
Lorton, VA 22079

rporten@cox.net
www.linda-porten.com