Artists Statement
I want to honour the past, keeping a way of life alive with my art.
The powerful draft horses are my inspiration.
I take hundreds of photos, depicting this time honoured way of farming. It’s important to capture the passion of the workhorse, along with their unique personalities. I wouldn’t be honouring the horses or the owners I didn’t include details. I have a deep emotional connection to the work I create, and I’d like people to feel movement and personality in the animals I paint.
Farming has progressed, but I like to be nostalgic about it. It’s important that I accurately depict how it used to be, the team of horses, the farmer, and the incredible amount of work and fortitude it took to accomplish a good day's work.
When people look at my paintings, I want them to remember their own past on their family farms, recalling how their parents used horses to work the land and reap the benefits from it that will sustain their family and their livestock for another season.
Success to me is when someone stops to view my work, and connects with it.
More about Lynda - Animals are the unending source of my inspiration!
As a rural Alberta woman, and artist, I need only look out my window to appreciate all of God’s beauty that surrounds me.
My choice of medium is soft pastel.
I frequent the backroads, camera in hand, visiting neighbouring farms. I try to incorporate each animals unique personality, expressive behaviour and work ethic into my paintings.
Taking my own reference photos is a must for me. It’s a huge part of my creative process. When I paint, I exaggerate the colours, but still keep them realistic.
I’m grateful for the owners of the livestock I paint. They have been very giving of their time with me while I ask endless questions, and learning about their animals. It’s important to paint what I know.
Lynda Baxter is an international artist and Master Pastelist residing in Alberta, Canada. She has also achieved AFCA and SCA designations.
