Linda Dudley ( Shelton) has always explored art in some form. As a young child in College Park Maryland, playing in mud was an exploration of creating, exploring sensing and understanding the dimension of the substance. Her first memory of this artistic journey was in her Kindergarten class as she swirled paint with her fingers, expressing joy in the process. Today, as an accomplished fine art painter, she explores those memories as an exercise in how to present something felt into a visually appealing two dimensional surface.
Linda received her art education from the University Of Maryland and for thirty five years taught the arts for high school, elementary school and early childhood children.
Since her retirement from public service her artistic passion has only increased.
” I see beauty in simple shapes, shadows, and light within the scenes that God has formulated.”said Linda. She went on to say, “I am moved by nature’s beauty. When I see something that I am drawn to paint it is because I am feeling it emotionally as well as artistically. Catching that fleeting moment in time, weather it is the setting sun or the perching of the pelican upon the rocks causes me to feel deeply about the world I am observing.
Linda approaches each painting systematically working from her own photos or from a plein air piece for reference. As she arranges, subtracts or adds items in her references, she develops a composition based on a good notan design. The notan design provides a rhythmic pattern that builds the framework of a painting into arrangements of light and dark. This allows the viewer to see the painting as a whole expression that pleases the senses through her realistic style.
When you view her art, the paintings invite you to smell the fish being cleaned, feel the night air on your skin or the sun on your face. When you experience a work by Linda Dudley it may evoke experiences, sensations or a memory from your past. This is the artists goal, the invitation.
Today Linda is an active member of The Art League Of Orange County Florida. She has held the position of Secretary and Vice President in the past and is currently Vice President of the league. She regularly participates in art shows and continues on her journey of discovery and learning through art classes. She completed a four year master class “The Virtual Art Academy
” founded by master artist Barry John Raybould. Today she continues her journey of growing her knowledge through the program Easel Insight by professional fine art artist Phil Starke.
As an award winning artist, Linda has received artist of the month in 2013 from the Artist Daily online art group. In 2014 she won the Martha Fowler award from ALOC. In 2015 she placed third in a Casselberry Art House ALOC judged show. She was also accepted into “The Art Around The World ” show at the Art Gallery of Viera in 2016 and placed second in the annual ALOC show. 2019 brought her best in show ( The Turzak Award) in the ALOC annual show.
Currently, Linda shows her artistic expressions at the Arts and Culture Center located in Avalon Park, Orlando FI. A center celebrating the arts with over 25 artist represented.