ArTist statement Lynda McLeod

 

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Since the beginning of my nursing career, art has been my way of making sense of the intense and often overwhelming experiences I encountered. In truth, I believe that without the reflective process of creating art, I would not have been able to continue practicing as a nurse. As a highly sensitive, creative person, bearing witness to suffering took a toll that words alone couldn’t ease.

 

Painting became my meditation—a way to transcend sorrow and arrive at a deeper plane of understanding. I taught myself to paint by following color. Over time, I participated in several workshops that helped me truly learn to see, and to step out of my own way. I began with realism, exploring watercolor and dry brush techniques with acrylics. Eventually, I transitioned to palette knife work, first with acrylics and then with oils, gradually shifting toward abstracted portraits. I was drawn to vibrant colors and the freedom they offered.

I absolutely fell in love with oils.

 

Portraiture, especially, speaks to my passion for human connection. I always begin with the eyes—the windows to the soul—and use light and color to express the essence of who people are beneath their roles and labels.

As a child, I was deeply influenced by the work of Arthur Shilling. He painted my two brothers and me in his home on the Rama Reserve at Lake Couchiching, Ontario. His vibrant colors and expressive brushwork revealed emotional depth that captivated me. The Beauty of My People, a documentary about Shilling, tells the story of this powerful and influential artist that will continue to inspire me

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I have organized my gallery according to series to make sense of time and art style. 

1. The Art of Nursing Leadership series 2007-2012

2. The Relationship series Connection 2012-2017

3. The magic of Christmas 2016

4. Gratitude series 2010-2017

5. The wind river canoe trip-Fundraiser 2018

6. Lest we forget series 2018

8 Angel series 2021-2024

9. Uncovering the SOUL series 2023

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NOTE:   If you view my gallery on your phone you will only see ONLY a  thumbsize images poking out from a square shape cutting off the full painting. You will not be able to read the stories that are posted with the painting.  I apologize but, cannot see how to fix these two problems.  A 4x6 foot whole painting show for example, The next, Angels are amongst us and the Awakening. 

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Love Lynda