Linda Olsen

\"As an artist, I strive to continually grow and experiment with different

techniques and mediums. As a

child, I would spend hours digging in tide pools and diving through the surf.

It was magical, and I never took its beauty for granted. The fascination of the sea, and the peace it gives me, is constant inspiration. I seek to create, on canvas or through my camera lens, a romantic vision. The lore of Mermaids, and growing up with five sisters, has inspired me to paint these underwater divas in a modern light. I also create my photographic illustrations with a romantic or idolized theme\"

\"My approach to photography is trying to capture those beautiful moments that tell a story, relate an emotion or embody a romantic vision no matter if my subject is a bunch of grapes or a young child.

Originally from California, I grew up sailing and being inspired by my father’s interest in photography. At age seven, he gave me an old Kodak box camera where I would set up little dioramas with my dolls and photograph

them in different scenes. My passion for photography was sparked.

After graduating with top honors in Fine Art from San Diego State University, I taught high school art in Carmel, CA before moving to Florida in the late 70’s. I began a 26 year career in the corporate graphic design

arena. This helped mold my sense of design and stay up to date with computer technology. Ten years ago,I decided to go back to my roots as an artist and photographer. Utilizing my computer as a creative tool as well as hand tinting, I manipulate my images

with filters and color enhancements.

Whether my photographic illustrations

represented my sailing trips in the West Indies,fly-fishing in Montana or photo treks through Italy, I attempt to sensitively create a unique expression with tonal painting, selective focus enhancements, hand tinting and layered illustration effects.

Each image is unique when shot and I do not have a formula in creating the right effect for the images that I capture.\"