Linda Guenste

My primary medium is painting, predominantly in acrylic on canvas, linen and panel and gouache, where I employ a unique blend of abstract and representational techniques. I am drawn to the inherent qualities of these mediums, their versatility and ability to convey a rich spectrum of color and texture. My paintings often feature organic, flowing forms inspired by natural elements, such as landscapes, while simultaneously exploring the abstract qualities of light and color. My latest series of work focuses on portraits of trees i have encountered here in New Mexico and abroad. Each painting highlights the botanical history from sapling to its current state of being. Focusing on roots, my subjects connect and remain grounded in their life cycle. Like fragile old bone, they remain as witnesses of nature. In my creative process, I am guided by observation, intuition and spontaneity. My artistic journey is informed by my personal experiences, observations, and emotions, but ultimately, I strive to create work that transcends the individual and speaks to the collective human spirit. I believe that art has the power to uplift, heal, and inspire, ask questions and it is my hope that my work serves as a conduit for these transformative energies.

Linda Guenste was born in Fayetteville North Carolina and raised in suburban New York. She attended the Arts Students League, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in the certificate program and received a BFA from Philadelphia College of Art. Now living in Santa Fe New Mexico for 10 years, some of her work has been inspired by the western landscape, nature and the human condition. She has exploring the core of the tree with an emphasis on the roots, where the timber intersects with the stability of the earth. In other work, Guenste is often tackling “social realism”. Guenste’s paintings in acrylic and gouache ask the viewers questions rather than provide definitive answers. This allows people to engage in a didactic narrative on freedom, survival, meditation, climate change, politics and contemporary social issues while using observation, humor and irony in her work. One of her current projects is 500 FACES - PEACE BEGINS WITH A SMILE. It includes portraits of women, men and children she has encountered on her numerous travels around the globe. These 6x6 oil paintings represents a colorful world population and diversity in a large mosaic of smiles and inclusion. Guenste has exhibited in galleries and museums across the US and has work in many private and public collections. She has recently attended artist symposiums in France and Haiti in cultural exchange programs in which she taught painting classes and exhibited her work..

2-D, Painting (all materials)