I am an Artist currently living and working in the Southern Appalachian Mountains in Asheville, North Carolina.

My love of nature began early with family camping trips. The love grew and a career sprung forth with studies at NC State’s School of Natural Resources, and employment with the U.S. Forest Service. I was hired as the Southeast’s only paid Wilderness Ranger at Ellicott’s Rock., my 4,000 acre paradise. I worked as a River Ranger on the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River and later as a Firefighter.

Years into the field of forest recreation, I found an opportunity to work with Maine State Parks at Ferry Beach, on the beautiful coast south of Portland. With loons floating on the waves, and gentle breezes each morning, as I camped all summer on the banks of the Saco River.

I left Forestry in 1988 to become a full time mother and delighted in the wonders and magic of a beautiful baby girl - featured in my paintings. I opened and operated a home day care while she was little, then studied newborn nursing once she was in school. I spent several decades working in our local hospital, assisting thousands of families during their most memorable days. Sum total, I probably served over 50,000 families.

Just before Covid struck, I had two fun part time jobs, one as a Wellness Coach at the local YMCA and the other as camping specialist with REI, happily outfitting myself with all the gear I could possibly need to car camp at the Beach.

In more recent years, I returned to school and earned my Fine Arts Degree. Although I took a fun pottery detour while working for the Community College, I refocused my art purposefully and began painting en plein air, outdoors.

I have found abundant sources of creative expression throughout my life, and I am deeply, deeply grateful. You can imagine the JOY in this Ranger’s heart, surrounded by nature and painting its beauty, outdoors with an grateful heart.

I'm smiling.

Linda