Linda Short
Artist Statement
His head tosses wildly, the sun glitters across the stallion's muscles. Capturing that, sparks the magic in my soul! I believe the essence of every living thing whether it is people, horses, dogs, elk or grizzlies speaks to those who listen - a gentle touch of a cold nose, the pounding of hooves, or a growl in the wild... just listen and feel their spirit! Doing it with blades, knives and needles... black ink on white clay, a million or more scratches... from the darkness... muscles are rippling the light is dancing... just listen.
As a small child, horses of all kinds have sparked the magic in my soul. Looking across the prairie on our ranch the stallions head tosses wildly and the sun glitters across his muscles... Oh to capture that! Capture the sheer power of the horse, its elegant beauty, the raw energy and motion.
Originally from a third generation Eastern Montana ranch family, Linda Short moved to Western Montana to pursue an education. While at Montana State University pursuing a double major in Graphic Design and Architecture, the love of her life, Bill had to move 8 hours away for work - after a year of living apart, they made the decision to put Linda's education at MSU on hold. So she joined her husband and traded Graphic Design and Architecture for a Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies.
Linda is a multi-talented artist who works in a wide variety of mediums, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, colored pencil, pen and ink and scratchboard. Finding scratchboard was like putting the last piece in a puzzle - all the artistic challenges and endeavors came together - it satisfies the perfectionist. Heavily influenced by the light, color and forms of the western ranch life - both in terms of the land, animals and its people, Linda's work expresses her reverence for animals as powerful and stunning creatures.
Linda has garnered awards and placement in shows throughout the United States. Her art pursuits have led to her interest in coaching for the Montana Artrepreneur Program (Montana Arts Council) where she helps other artists pursue their dreams.