Linda Mellen
Linda Mellen
Plum Beach, Oil
“I was very surprised and honored to be asked to be the Artist of the Month.
I am happy to be part of the Dedham Art Association, taking workshops, going to events, and now especially to be part of the Tuesday Painting Group. It is this great talented group that I am joining to stimulate, motivate and revitalize my art life again. Upon recently retiring and moving out of a home of 36 years in Medfield and now living in Arlington and doing elder care and becoming a grandmother, I am trying to figure out my new art life which has sadly been minimized.
I grew up in New Jersey and Newton, MA, and felt art was a part of my life since I was a kid. Always doodling drawing, but my parents had told me it can be my hobby, not a career. No regrets! I treasure both sides of my life, Science and Art! I graduated from Northeastern University with degrees in Biology and Medical Technology. Even while pursuing a career in dental research in the medical diagnostics & business world, I always made taking art classes and workshops a priority.
I studied at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts in my teen years, took art classes during college and took classes and workshops with resident and guest artists at many Art Associations around Boston, Cape Cod, and the North Shore.
Upon becoming a part-time working parent I made sure to make time to take classes at the Danforth Museum Art School, and I went to a Medfield Adult Ed Art class for 30 years. It was fun participating and exhibiting my art work at many juried art shows, Falmouth and Cape Cod Art Associations, Zullo Gallery and having fun doing many Art Fairs.
My artwork is varied and impressionistic. I like to dive in and work in various mediums - watercolor, pastels, mixed media, monotype printing, charcoal, acrylics, and water-based oils. My greatest thrill comes from painting landscapes, specifically saltwater marshes and fields. I remember enjoying painting portraits and at another time, would like to try again.
I am also very proud of my Latvian heritage. A culture, language that I treasure to maintain and pass on. I was part of an Art Exhibit Committee for the Baltic Centennial Celebration in 2018. I’m a member of ALMA - the American Latvian Art Association and I recently started BACC - Baltic Arts and Crafts Club to interact with fellow NE Baltic Artists.
Along with painting, I also enjoy weaving on a rigid heddle loom which was a surprise gift when I first got married. I sell custom designed and hand woven one-of-a-kind-textured scarves under the name “Accent Pieces”.
My passion for drawing and painting started at a very early age and is something I carry with me wherever I go. Without art, something is missing, so I better get my new art studio going again!”