LINDA CAROLE WERTHWEIN
Imagery impressions follow brush strokes both deliberate and spontaneous. Energy builds through color contrasts, culminating in calligraphic line. Form is defined and redefined freeing the subject from the real to the abstract.
Brush strokes flow from sublimely blended oils to gestural watercolors revealing life and spirit in Creation and beyond. Painting is a process of seeing marks evolve and vision come forth.
Living along the Atlantic, Pacific and Caribbean shores has deepened Linda’s love of the ocean and enhanced her painting. Tranquility, power, and eternal essence emerge as the viewer senses they are “there.”
Close by, on the barrier islands, are wild herds. Symbols of wild beauty, freedom and strength, her horses are also a tribute to her father, a man of determination and adventure who suggested she paint horses.
The rhythm of life flows through each dancer whether on stilts or the ballroom floor. Inspired by her personal dance background most figures portrayed are friends, dance partners and instructors.
A life long heart connection with the East Caribbean evolved after serving there as a missionary resource teacher for the hearing impaired. She returns regularly to connect with friends, paint the turquoise seas, enchanting flora, and warmth and joy of the people. She has led painting workshops through ECU and privately, and exhibited throughout the region.
From East Carolina University she received an MFA in painting and MAEd in art education. Her work is featured in coastal NC, the Caribbean as well as internationally. Commission work has been rendered for private and public spaces. It is part of the permanent collection of Carolina East Medical Oncology Center, in New Bern, NC, the Honors College and School of Nursing at ECU and Government Ministry in Nevis, W.I.
She has received numerous awards for her work in oils as well as watercolors. Her West Indian masquerade dancers go beyond canvas to published research on the African roots and influence in the diaspora. She also contributed research for ECU’s African Art website and the “Interdisciplinary Art Education” manual.
Loving to see others discover the joy of painting, she encourages her students to explore unchartered territory and develop their own style. She has taught preschool to the university level, learning disabilities, maximum security inmates, substance abuse rehab women, professional artists and watercolor for American Cruise Lines. She offers private and group classes at her Beaufort studio as well as international workshops. A member of the NC Watercolor Society and Arts Council of Carteret Co. she lives in Coastal NC where the wild horses run free, and returns regularly to the heart of the Caribbean.
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