Gardenfest 2008, Biography:  Linda J. Steine

Linda grew up in La Crosse, and continues to call “Gods Country” home.  Painting landscapes is her favorite topic; the bluffs and rivers of the region can be found in many of her paintings.  She paints in all mediums, oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media.  

Linda completed her B.S. Degree in Art in 2002, and her Masters in Education and Professional Development in 2007 at UW-La Crosse.  She has been accepted into national competitions, and is an award-winning artist.  She teaches painting workshops, and classes throughout Wisconsin.  “Teaching,” states Linda, “forces me to grow as an artist as I learn new techniques to teach my students, who in turn teach me with their willingness to learn and grow through art.”

As an artist and a life long member of the La Crosse Community, it is important to give back to the community.  Linda, therefore, feels it is important to help various organizations by donating her time, and her paintings.  When the YWCA approached her about their fundraiser, she was honored to be asked to participate in the 2008 YWCA Garden Fest.  Choosing her subject matter for this event was easy.  Garden Fest is all about gardening, and one of Linda’s passions is gardening, with her favorite being the Purple Cone Flower.  Linda’s inspiration for painting flowers close-up and bigger then life came from Georgia O’Keefe.  The donated painting is a watercolor, featuring a close-up of the Purple Cone Flower, along with the complimentary yellow Daisy.  The watercolor technique used to create this painting includes the use of a limited palette and salt, which gives the painting an abstract quality.  In addition she is putting together a series of watercolor paintings of flowers indigenous to the area meant to compliment the donated painting.  These paintings will be on display and for sale along with others in a variety of media, including oil and acrylic, all revolving around a gardening theme.