Linda Benton McCloskey
Studio #103
A new work is begun without a preconceived outcome in mind. I simply begin painting and then intuition, love, desire, and experience take over. In this dream-like state, I give way to the process – eventually seeing and responding to shapes, forms, and movements and they are developed further…regardless of the result, the painting takes me to a new and unexpected destination.
My art is influenced by the impulsive approach of the abstract impressionists de Kooning, Motherwell, Kline, Mitchell, and Hofmann. Discovering creative ways of expression and keeping traditional rules of painting out of the picture are priorities. While varying my palette of colors and approaches, recent non-objective works are mostly water-media, encaustic, cold wax, and oil with lots of texture and color. Diversity, with all its fascinating choices, is intriguing and evident in my work.
After changing careers and researching family history, I discovered that Thomas Hart Benton (an American Regionalist Painter 1889 to 1975) was my great uncle.
As a member of regional, national and international signature status with the Baltimore Watercolor Society, Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, Philadelphia Watercolor Society has been achieved and Nautilus status with ISEA (International Society of Experimental Artists). I have won numerous national and international awards and have been published in several international publications. Please view my website for a listing of these awards and published books.