
Linda Boisvert DeStefanis
Featured Artist Working in Oils
My artist's spirit is alive when I am painting or photographing new images to inspire me. I am constantly watching for that moment of nature’s beauty that will capture my attention. Many times, this inspiration is found while taking a photo drive somewhere to find that fleeting splash of light on a tree, beautiful reflections on a serene pond, or any scene where nature is showing off. I am primarily a landscape painter who gravitates to water, as I love the challenge of painting water in all its many forms. The lighting is the most important component to the success of my paintings.
My style of painting is Contemporary Realism. I often use one to three of my photos in order to complete a painting. Some photos will be used for the composition and others for close-ups of sections I may need for a more detailed area. I paint in oils primarily now and work in layers. Each layer will dry overnight because I use Fine Detail Liquin as my medium, with a bit of Gamsol. This way I can stop at a good point and resume the next day, laying new paint over the last layer.
From a young age, I enjoyed my art time and had caring parents who encouraged me to draw and paint. I began taking
oil painting lessons as a teen and went on to paint large works in high school. While in college, my favorite subjects were drawing, photography, and printmaking. After completing a B.A., I became a graphic artist and remained in that field for over 30 years. My heart always belonged to my fine art first, and I continued to paint and enter shows in between work and family, winning awards over the years.
I have exhibited throughout Connecticut and on Long Island as well as participating in a couple of well-known outdoor art shows in Florida (2024). I am an Elected Artist Member of Lyme Art Association as well as the Clinton and Madison Art Societies, a Member of the New Haven Paint and Clay Club, an Elected Artist Member of the American Artists Professional League (AAPL), a member of the Academic Artist Association and NOAPS. I remain an active member of the Connecticut Women Artists after being on their Council for 8 years, serving as their President for 3 years.
Today, I enjoy teaching smaller oil painting classes in my studio in Rocky Hill. Feel free to reach out to me if you are interested.