Capturing Life's Colours with Linda Rudyk

IN THE STUDIO

With Taren White

Art has a unique way of channeling emotions, experiences, and stories onto a canvas. For Linda Rudyk, a seasoned artist with a passion for expression, her creative journey has been influenced by a myriad of experiences, from family traditions to global adventures.

Linda's journey began with her mother, a talented oil landscape artist who found solace and joy in her work. Inspired by the renowned Group of Seven, Linda's mother would lose herself in the strokes of her brush and the hues of her palette. As one of six siblings, Linda recalls that her mother's artistic moments were some of the rare times she saw her truly relax

In 2012, Linda's journey took a new direction when her sister introduced her to water-colour painting This moment proved pivotal, as it coincided with a challenging period in her life after the sudden loss of her husband. Seeking solace and renewal, Linda and her sister embarked on a journey to Aruba, armed with small

Cotman travel packs. The resulting paintings and drawings became not only beautiful mementos of their time on the island but also a testament to the healing power of art during difficult times.

Retiring in 2013 opened the doors to a new chapter in Linda's life. She and her husband became avid travellers, exploring the world and soaking in its vibrant colours and cultures. Linda's watercolour paints became her constant companions, allowing her to capture the essence of each destination in her art Through her paintings, she immortalizes the moments spent in different corners of the globe, keeping the memories alive through vivid brushstrokes

Throughout her artistic career, Linda has explored a variety of mediums, including watercolour, oil, alcohol ink, acrylic, mixed media, and mono-printing She credits prominent YouTube artists like Jane Davies, Louise Fletcher, Jean Haines, and others for inspiring her with their bold and fearless approach Their encouragement to "just be yourself and stay loose” has become Linda's artistic mantra, empowering her to embrace her unique voice and perspective.

Linda identifies as an Abstract Expressionist, using colour, emotion, and expression to tell her stories on canvas. Her favoured mediums are acrylic and mixed media, as they allow her to experiment with vivid hues and textured layers. Through her art, she seeks to convey a range of emotions and experiences, inviting viewers into her world of vibrant abstraction

One of the most memorable experiences of Linda's artistic journey occurred during a river cruise down the Yangtze River in China. Despite language barriers, she found herself painting alongside fellow passengers who shared her passion for art Through strokes of paint and a shared love for creativity, Linda discovered the universal language of art that transcends words.

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