The Artist

Linda DragonetteLinda Dragonette is a Member of Excellence, Signature Member of the Southeastern Pastel Society, and the Pastel Society of North Florida. She is also a Juried Associate Member of Oil Painters of America. In January 2009 she was  honored  to be an accepted Member of the Degas Pastel Society by Invitation. She recently became a member of the Pastel Society of the West Coast.

She is an award winning artist that has been in numerous Regional, National, and International Exhibitions.

Artist’s Statement

My mother was a gifted artist that never seemed to be intimidated by her subject. She painted everything from portraits to clipper ships and very large wall murals. What a combination! But she did them equally well. I always remember that when I become stumped by a flower in a vase.

But I do think I’m having as much fun and joy as she did. Now we have digital cameras. And printers.

I discovered pastels when a friend and fellow artist invited me to a pastel demonstration that Carole Katchen was giving in Atlanta. At the time I was having vision problems and I was looking for a medium that was easier on the eyes than my current medium, which was pen (quill) and ink stipplings. For some reason I used to be fascinated with Seurat. Well, I just absolutely fell in love with pastels. It would be hard to match their vibrancy in any other medium. Pastels made me see color in a whole new light and it sure was easier on the eyes. I have tried to take what I learn from pastels and incorporate it with oil painting. Sometimes I get lucky.

A truly great learning experience for me was taking Albert Handell’s workshop a few years ago. I’ve learned from some wonderful artists, but for me, Albert, along with Anita West Handell, were the best. So when I was finally able to visit his part of the country, New Mexico, I was moved. Everywhere I looked I felt as if I had walked into one of his beautiful paintings.

  

Using Our Gifts

We should all use the gifts we each possess to actively participate in the world around us. I have worked on a variety of projects in my life. But the most rewarding was starting a grass roots non-profit organization for endangered animals. We had projects here and in Africa. We focused on the young orphaned animals that are always left behind. I created two wildlife posters that were used in our public service announcements. National Geographic Magazine ran our public services announcements from 1989 through 1992. They loved what we were trying to do and gave such wonderful support.