"It is paramount that we protect and preserve our world: If I can capture a moment and a feeling of a particular space and time: I have succeeded"  Linda Elling

Linda lives in the southern portion of the Salinas Valley in Monterey County. The vineyards, mountains and agricultural fields serve as constant sources of inspiration.  To the West is the amazing Pacific coast, yet another source of endless painting possibilities.

Born in the midwest, Linda grew up with either a crayon or a pencil in hand. Having attentive parents, Linda and her brother were taken to Art and Historical Museums. The standout for Linda was an exhibition of Leonardo Di Vinci's work at the Detroit Institute of Art.

As an art major in college, Linda discovered she had neither an interest in teaching art (at the time) nor did she excel in the demanding, precise world of commercial art.  Instead, she chose to pursue a secondary interest in retail as a career in Detroit, Michigan.

After having visited her brother, who had moved to northern New Mexico, Linda moved in the mid 1970's from Michigan to Santa Fe, where so many people were actively engaged in livelihoods derived from the arts.  The area’s history, culture, beauty and surrounding environs were truly inspirational. While in Santa Fe, Linda pursued her art education. She participated in several painting workshops with area artists: David Outhwaite, Lee Rommel, Ray Vinella and Janet Lippincot. California artist Ted Goerschner also traveled to Santa Fe and presented a workshop which Linda attended. The local galleries, art museum and the College of Santa Fe provided additional inspiration and education. During this time, Linda started exhibiting in an art gallery, worked in an art gallery and as a sign painter.

After twenty two years in Santa Fe, Linda moved to the central coast of California. Still painting part time, Linda had many retail roles over the years from sales to visual merchandising, store management to buying positions. Now Linda is able to paint full-time and is eager to pursue the subjects that have captivated her fascination and imagination.

Linda has shown her work in several galleries and states and is in private collections throughout the country.