Linda Osburn - what a terrific artist!  This is one of her paintings from the recent workshop in Bakersfield, Ca, and a photo of her working from the still life set-up.  It's not the best photo of Linda - but it's all I have for now.  Isn't this a great painting! 

I have a special story about Linda - but of course I do for all of my students.  In 2006, I had a showing at my gallery in Bakersfield and it was titled "Late Bloomers."  It featured two of my students - Betty Blair and Joyce Janzen - and they both started painting much later in life than even Grandma Moses!   In my opinion they're even better than old venerable "G. M."   Anyway - the showing was a big success and got a huge write-up in the Bakersfield Californian.  A few days later, this tiny little gal came strolling into my gallery and said "I'm a late bloomer, too!"  And I said - okay - let's help you bloom.  That started a special relationship with Linda and me, and I like to think that I helped Linda find her way in the art world.  When she started painting with me, I knew right away that she was talented and that she had had lots of training.  But somewhere along the way she had lost her confidence.  I've told her many times that all she needed was someone to help her believe in herself and to "set her free!"  Last week I got an email from Little Linda (as I call her) and she said she had been invited to do a one-woman show at the Arts Council of Kern County, California!  To say that she was on Cloud 9 is a total understatement!!!  I'm so glad she's getting the recognition she deserves.  And I'm especially proud that she's now reaching out to other fledgling artist and she's helping them find their way, too.  Congrats, Linda! 

More art from more students will come in the next few days.  Aren't they doing beautiful work!