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Linda Smith

Artist's Biography  

  I have always been intrigued by the traditional ink paintings of the orient, and when Oriental Brush Painting (Sumi-e) was offered at a local college over 20 years ago, I immediately signed up for the class. I discovered Sumi-e as a powerful source of self-expression and a pathway to personal spiritual experiences in nature. I continued studying privately over the years under numerous instructors, including two Japanese Master Sumi-e Painters.  

  Oriental Brush Painting is the oldest living art in the world, possessing a beauty that transcends time. It is a classic, elegant and gentle art form with a beautiful philosophy that inspires my own life and values. The painting must be swiftly executed "in one breath" transforming that one moment in time to the timeless--the work has its own impetus and flows naturally--it is an inspired work of art. The artist conveys only the spirit and essence of her subject, inviting the viewer to laugh, cry, and dream.  

  I am a resident of Clearwater, Florida, a member of the National Sumi-e Society, the Sarasota Chapter and the Fu Sang Artists Guild of Dunedin. My work has been exhibited in shows and galleries, and my paintings are included in private collections in Europe, Asia and the United States. I continue to do workshops and study privately.  

  The four classical subjects of oriental painting are the bamboo, the chrysanthemum, the plum blossom and the orchid. It is said that to master the bamboo requires a lifetime. Oriental Painting is appreciated by a discerning mind and cultivated taste. It is an affirmation of the beauty of life and an enrichment of the spirit. I paint because I love it--it is my passion--and I am living my dream.

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