Artist Statement

I can't remember what it was like before I drew.  I was introduced to watercolors and art supplies when I was about four years old. Through childhood and my teens drawing and painting were my favorite pastimes.   I volunteered to paint for the church , do backgrounds for the school plays, and entered local contests to bring home awards.  Whether painting large murals or posters I was hooked.  It wasn't until after I had children that I started working with my art full time.  I began to sell my work at shows and in shops in 1986.  Keeping up with the demands for various shops and shows kept me happy and very busy.
As a child I was fascinated by the illustrations of Howard Fosters "Prince Valiant" and anything Walt Disney Studios did. Today I am greatly influenced by the work of Yvonne Gilbert,  Brian Froud, Charles Santore and my favorite illustrator; Trina Schart Hyman.

I usually work in pen and inks with watercolors. The spontaneity and softness of the watercolors seem to lend to the sweetness of the children and a mystical feel  to the fantasy illustrations.

 It is a great  joy to illustrate a story.  I like to illuminate the author's words and bring them to life with characters and surroundings that reveal the world around them.  It is like being a part of a creative puzzle. Each group of words and each illustration are pieces of the puzzle fitting together perfectly with the end result…. telling a story.

 Although drawing fantasy is the most enjoyable because it would seem elves, fairies, trolls, goblins, and dragons will flow from my pencils on their own. I also love illustrating children just doing what children do. Climbing trees, swinging on a swing. Something about those little cheeks bring a smile to my face every time I paint them. Currently I am illustrating a children's book by working with the author.

To me the world can be a wondrous place of magic, filled of enchantment and miraculous things. I like my work to reflect that. I am truly happy when I can be a part of the magic by making the unbelievable….believable through my illustrations.

Linda M Heller

If you would like to contact me you may e-mail  studio4184@dejazzd.com. 

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You may also  e-mail Linda your questions or wholesale inquirers at
studio4184@dejazzd.com