Short Bio

Resuming her art journey after a 50 year detour in the business world, Linda looks forward to developing every day as an artist and meeting the challenges inherent in becoming a better artist.

Statement

I am on an art journey, interrupted by 50 years.  I started the journey in the 70s at The Art Students League in New York City studying portraiture under John Howard Sanden, then to The New School, studying figure and still life.  I sold some drawings in charcoal and pastels in those days when pastel was a bit less prominent than now.  Later on, in L. A., I took up sculpture and then design at UCLA.  I have segued from portraits and figure studies into some landscapes and seascapes. My process is evolving of course.  I am drawn to realism more naturally than Impressionism.  But my love for Monet has influenced a desire to become more impressionistic.  I doubt I will ever avoid whatever compels me to paint what I see.  All the Kings horses...etc....will probably never be able to pull me from more realistic work, but the goal is to loosen up, think of shapes and light and color.  There, that is the task at hand.  After my 50-year hiatus, the learning has begun again, and since it was the road not taken, it is a long and arduous journey.  I am thrilled and happy to be on the path of the artist once more.  I believe in the creative journey, and regardless of the success or the outcome, we all learn that the journey is the reason, that learning is nirvana, and that to be a spiritual person one must find the path and stay to it.  Someone wrote a song called "Stay Close to the River", and that "river" to me is the creative journey.

Biography

Retired corporate executive, Linda Ballew (aka Lainey Ballew to close friends), has spent her life pursuing artistic endeavors even though her career was mostly in the corporate world.  She has written the book to five musicals, all produced, and has two more in progress.  She loves painting and is pushing herself to create as much art as she can in her remaining years.  Having studied at great schools, The Art Students League, The New School, Parsons School of Design and U.C.L.A, she was forced to abandon formal study and is now learning from that fabulous school, YouTube, from her heroes like Richard McKinley, Nancie King Mertz, Michel Breton and many others.  She may never meet her own expectations of what she can produce creatively, but she continues to challenge herself and promises to do everything she can to live the creative life and reap the spiritual rewards that come with that dedication.  

Resume / CV

Art Studies

1970-1975. The New School, NYC; Art Students League, NYC

1976-1982.  Parsons School of Design, L.A.; UCLA Environmental Design, L.A.

Work History

1985-1993.  Manager, Sr. Manager, Training and Administration, Boeing Aircraft, Huntington Beach, CA (formerly McDonald Douglas Missile Systems)

1993-2006.  Manager, Director, Office of Environmental Policy, The Walt Disney Company, Burbank and Anaheim, Ca

2006-2015.  Executive Director, Greater Redmond TMA (non-profit

2015-current.  Retired.

Other Interests and Activities

1993-1994.  Co-wrote three book musicals produced in Orange County, CA

1994-1995.  Produced award-winning one-man show in Orange County, CA

1996-2000.  Directed plays and taught acting workshops

1995-2006.  Co-wrote book musical workshopped in New York City, Seattle, and Orange County

2006.  Produced original book musical in L.A.

2011-2012 Produced 2 original book musicals in Seattle area