Linda Lucas Hardy is proof that fine art can be found right here in Northeast Texas. The prolific oil painter and color pencil artist from Omaha has been published in more than 20 magazines and a dozen books. In addition, her work has been juried into more than 70 national and international art exhibitions.†The public will have the opportunity to view a selection of her artwork on display at the Whatley Center for the Performing Arts Foyer February 8-22.
The exhibit, hosted by the Northeast Texas Community College Art Department, is open to the public and a reception with the artist will be held Thursday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. in the Whatley Center foyer. The exhibit is open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. Please call 903-434-8181 to ensure the gallery is open for viewing.
Hardy is truly a self-made artist. Living in a small town, she had access to few resources and mentors. She realized the necessity of using what she had or give up and do nothing. Doing nothing was not an option for her, so Hardy taught herself ? or learned to ?fly by the seat of her pants? as she put it. Hardy is currently an adjunct instructor for the NTCC Art Department.
?Linda is a phenomenal artist. Both her paintings and pencil drawings feature an extreme attention to detail that makes her work vibrant and lifelike. We are so thrilled to showcase her art, and even more excited to have her teaching and mentoring our students,? Debbie Strong, NTCC Professor of Art, said.
Hardy made a decision to refer to herself as a professional artist in 2002. She began her career working in colored pencil, where she gained a lot of attention. In 2008 she transitioned into oil painting, which she also taught herself. She says that she prefers to ?let the medium teach her.?
She struggled with oil painting for a long time until she had a breakthrough and realized that she could apply what she learned from colored pencils to oil. This opened up a world of possibilities. From that point on, everything changed. Hardy began experimenting with transparent glazes, much like layering in colored pencil, and became intrigued. Glazing has become her preferred method.
?I can?t help but have an impassioned experience with each painting or drawing that I do, because I love both my craft and my subject,? she said. ?I love being lost in the process, engaged in an affair that occupies me fully. My work and my pleasure is to share.?
Hardy is a 10-year Merit Award recipient in the Colored Pencil Society of America, past president of the CPSA 215, the Dallas/Fort Worth District Chapter and Past President of CPSA 222, the Texarkana Chapter of the CPSA. She is a signature member of the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society (NOAPS) and serves on the board. She is also a member of the Mount Pleasant Texas Art Society. Hardy is represented by Southwest Gallery in Dallas and Davis & Blevins Gallery in St Jo, TX.
