Linda Layton

Chesterfield, MO

Artist Website: www.lllartwork.com/

BIO:

LLLArtwork

Linda Lee Layton

LLLArtwork.com

I received a Bachelor in Arts degree and the Outstanding Artist Award of my graduating class from the College of Charleston. After graduating life took me down a different path. For the last 25 years I have been teaching first grade and loving it. Teaching is a calling, and I know I have made a difference and put a smile on many faces. When COVID came into our lives my path changed once again. I still teach, but pursue my art at the same time.

In 2021 I was chosen to be a part of the St. Louis Art Fair Emerging Artist Program and in 2022 displayed my work in the Clayton Art Fair. Since then I’ve been invited to show my work in shows in and around the St. Louis and Illinois area, on Donnybrook/PBS television show, Gretchen Brigham Gallery, Green Door Art Gallery, and Grafton Art Gallery. At the Midwest Salute to the Arts in Fairview Heights on August 25, 2024 I was recognized with two awards. I received an Award of Excellence in my category and the Arts Council Choice Award for my iris. This painting will be used for promotional purposes next year for the 37th Midwest Salute to the Arts Festival.

I love working with oils. Oil is a medium which allows more flexibility, the ability to work more freely, changing and forming the image as I go along. I like working large and focusing on an image, its composition, drawing the viewer in, noticing the shape/shapes, texture, and color. I tell my first graders I don’t want unnecessary white space, I want big, bold, and beautiful. I just have fun and paint what makes me happy.

Artist Statement:

My work is oil on stretched canvas. Oil allows me to work more freely, changing and forming the image as I go. I focus up close on an image, bringing the viewer in, and painting what captures my eye.