I am an artist currently working in the Southern Appalachian Mountains in Asheville, NC. These mountains have been my home for over 45 years.

My love of nature began with family camping trips. A Science Degree in Forestry at NC State University earned me a job with the U.S. Forest Service as Ranger at Ellicott’s Rock Wilderness, my 4,000 acre responsibility. I worked as a River Ranger on the Wild and Scenic Chattooga and later as a Firefighter.

Years into the field, I reached for an opportunity to work with Maine State Parks at Ferry Beach, along the beautiful coastline. Loons on the waves, and gentle breezes each morning, I was in heaven. We camped all summer on the banks of the Saco River.

I moved on from Forestry in ‘88 to become a full time mother and delighted in the wonders of my beautiful baby, she is featured in some of my paintings. I opened and operated a home daycare while she was young, and later studied newborn nursing.

I spent several decades working in our local hospital, assisting thousands of families on their most memorable days. Sum total, I held over 50,000 newborns, welcoming them on their first day of life, with a warm, slow, gentle bath, offering a frame of reference for bliss and security.

In more recent years, I returned to my studies and earned a Fine Arts Degree. I took the fun pottery detour many visual artist take, who can resist playing in the mud, but I was able to refocus and began painting full time.

There is something rich about color, it feels the most honest use of my talent and gifts, especially painting outdoors.

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

I am smiling.

Linda