Artist Statement

Most of my life I have lived in the Southwest. I create studies on location from remote rural areas to the National Parks then later combine the study, photos and my imagination to paint larger studio works. I attempt to convey the size, drama and vivid contrasts that define the unique landforms and colors of the Southwest. There is a starkness of this mesa and canyon country, mountain ranges as well as the vegetation, that plays off of the seemingly endless skies.

The sensory experience on location and my emotional reaction weave together and the painting develops. The process is not knowing exactly where I am headed with the painting, the creative choices and the excitement of discoveries along the way.

I invite my viewers to enter and share the same sense of peace, of harmony and a larger dimension.

– Linda Petersen