Must be "our" Linda Nelson

[Steven Sweeney]

Linda, I'm going to assume that only one Linda Nelson in this area (St. Paul) could have created that award-winning portrait I saw today at the Fine Arts display at the Minnesota State Fair. If the painting has been previously vetted or praised on the Forum, I couldn't find it, so here's an extra dose of accolades.

The only criticism I can manage is that the shoulder-to-shoulder shuffle of fairgoers slowed even more in front of your painting, to permit the appropriate Howard Mohr-ish Minnesotanisms to be voiced in praise. A guy trying to get close enough to steal some of your licks had to behave like an out-of-stater to make headway.

The autumn color scheme is brilliantly executed, harmonizing the overall palette flawlessly. The whole piece works on a level of subtle grace and excellence. It's not hard to "see" it in a venerated spot in a home.

Is the subject your son?

If you have a digital image, I'm sure the gang would love to see it.

Congratulations.

P.S. If this isn't your painting, I guess I wouldn't make a fuss about that, just keep it to yourself and go ahead and take credit for it.

[Linda Nelson]

Thanks Steven for posting the news - When I went to the preview night for the Artists and learned I had won Honorable Mention, well, I went to sleep that night feeling as if I had won an Oscar.

One of the coolest things about being a part of that show is that they have over 200,000 (!) people go through that one room of art in 12 days ! It is a great competition, and a great opportunity to get ones' work in front of the public.

Thanks again for your nice words on the painting -

http://heirloomportraits.net/woa_alex0805.htm

[Alexandra Tyng]

Congratulations, Linda!

It is a lovely painting with a deceptively simple composition. Very direct and straightforward. The impressionistic way in which you've created the patterns of leaves, figure, bicycle, etc. is a great foil for the simple T-shaped abstract made by the boy and this bike. It's easy to get drawn into this scene and feel like you're in that fall day. Very unusual.

Alex

[Patricia Joyce]

Congratulations, Linda,
I do remember this painting when you posted on the forum and I loved it then and am so thrilled for you that it won an award at such a large show.

It is a great painting!!
Pat

[Lisa Ober]

Congratulations! What a lovely painting, so rich in color and style. Well deserved recognition for a beautiful painting.

[Linda Brandon]

Wonderful news, Linda! And such a well-deserved award! I always think that your work has a Bastien-Lepage quality which is so appealing.