Contemporary Abstracts - Daring. Whimsical. Passionate. Expressive.
The Right Brain Wins “Red” (Linda Harrison)
It’s rare when the logical left brain and the creative right merge in one person with equal force.
In Linda Harrison’s case, business savvy and the creation of abstract paintings merge as the artist’s signature Red.
Much like her art, Red is rarely at rest, dividing her time between her studio sanctuary and running her management consulting company. Splitting her time between these two callings is an ongoing challenge. The left and right are in constant struggle. It’s been this way for several decades, with the logical self, calling the shots… until now.
Linda grew up in the small, sugarcane farming community of White Castle, LA, the fourth of seven kids. Whether preparing meals, organizing the household chores and generally looking after her younger siblings while her parents worked, her fierce self-discipline showed itself early. However, art was not an unknown. Her parents and paternal grandmother were avid amateur artists, working with a variety of mediums. She loved watching her dad draw with charcoals or her mom create ceramics. They encouraged her creativity through summer art classes, designing clothes, studying music, and cooking – traditional Louisiana soulful cooking. Regardless, her logical left was not ready to surrender.
Linda received an academic scholarship to the University of Central Florida in Orlando, earning a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, and, in short order, obtaining an MBA at Florida Institute of Technology, graduating Summa Cum Laude in both academic programs.
The next 25 years were marked developing solutions in healthcare, logistics, information technology and, finally, forming her own consulting company in Denver, Colorado. However, the pull of creative expression, art and nature were ever present.
“Linda has always been an inspiration to those around her. Her art is no different -- the energy, vibrancy, design and color are reflections of her sheer force of personality.” – Carlo Rodriquez, Washington, D.C.
On a cool spring day, in the foothills outside of Denver, Red felt compelled to express the beauty around her; the creative side began to assert itself. She grabbed an old decorative painting from the wall, collected every available house paint, spray paint, magic marker, brush, sponge and tool. This was her reborn orchestra. What emerged changed her. She found the one outlet that gave her unlimited joy and freedom - painting.
Red has since continued to put brush to canvas. She chose the art signature of “Red” because “The color represents strength, passion and spirit – just the elements I want to express in my artwork”. Ever exploring new techniques and broadening her learning, Red embraces abstract expressionism with acrylics and oils to portray the hidden passion, vibrancy and energy that she observes in nature. Red has experimented with various mediums on canvas, but she says, “Painting with acrylics and oils allows me the freedom to spontaneously express my creativity through colorful abstracts and unique spirit.”
“Red’s art is just beautiful! It amazes me every time I see it!” – Sheila Graham, Austin, TX
“Gorgeous colors that come to life! Awesome!” – Traci Jones, Orlando, FL
Red has moved to a refurbished studio in Lake Mary, FL. If she is painting, there probably is music playing and a little dancing. As in most of her creations, she selects a few colors, a brush or two and then turns it over to the artistic spirit. The actual composition evolves as she paints to blues, rock n roll or passionate soul: the marriage of painting and music, both expressing emotion. Her work expresses an endless movement through layering and blending of colors, coupled with dynamic, fluid brush strokes and sometimes palette knives. Red says, “The rhythm of music quiets my mind and allows my energy to evolve on the canvas.
I don’t choose the content, it chooses me. I paint best when I let my hands do the talking”.
Her right brain is starting to achieve the recognition that her left brain can fully appreciate. Red won first place in “The Artist’s Magazine” 30th annual art competition in the abstract / experimental category which was published in their Jan/Feb 2013 edition. She also won various other awards including Finalist in Lifestyle Magazine Art Contest 2018 and 2017, Artavita, Art Fusion Galleries Artist of the Week, and Finalist in Artist’s Magazine. Her work has been exhibited at establishments in Miami, Orlando, and Inlet Beach, FL; Denver, CO; and Santa Fe, NM i.e. Masters Gallery, Galerie Zuger, East End Gallery, The Gallery at Mills Park, DIA Mosaic Store, Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) Shop, The Gallery at Avalon Island, Courvoisier Centre, City Arts Orlando, FL, FAVO, Bank of America Center, Citrus Club, Pierre’s Wine Cellar, Scott Laurent Gallery as well as Art Fusion Galleries, Hotel Urbano and Art Basel in Miami, FL. She has collectors throughout the United States.
When she’s not in her studio, Red is out exploring nature, hiking, creating a unique meal or spending time with her husband. She has retired her management consulting company and is extremely thrilled to be a full time artist.
Red is thankful and humbled by the opportunity to share her paintings with everyone, from the logical to the free spirit, and hopes they touch each viewer in a unique and personal way.
Dare to Feel,
Red (Linda Harrison)
