Linda Merchant. Photo by Maria Soto.
An artist specializing in wildlife and contemporary realism, Linda Merchant has exhibited in national and international shows, and has won multiple awards for her detailed depictions of animals and realistic style. Linda creates detail in her paintings through a meticulous layering process, with each painting often containing 7 or more layers. A painting may take a month or longer to complete, as she must wait for each layer to dry before adding the next. Linda prefers to work in oils and soft pastel. Oils provide durability and a glow that cannot be achieved with other media, and soft pastels provide a brilliance and immediacy that can also not be equaled.
And if you’ve ever wanted to try making realistic paintings yourself, Linda also teaches classes.
Painting Realism in Oils
Linda Merchant teaches the techniques for making realistic oil paintings in her Painting Realism in Oils classes at High Hand Gallery.
This course, offered monthly this spring and summer, will provide the basis for a realistic style using oils. Students will learn the basics of working in oils, including color mixing, using a limited palette, identifying color and value in oils, and other techniques. A reference will be provided by the instructor, typically a photo or still life set up. Students are asked to bring their own materials; a materials list will be provided, usually consisting of an easel, canvas, oil paint, brushes, and any other items needed for the class. Students may sign up for one class, or take this course on an ongoing basis. 3 hours, $60.
Sign up for individual classes using the links below.
May 12, 1pm–4pm 
June 16, 1pm–4pm
July 21, 1pm–4pm
August 18, 1pm–4pm
Painting Realism in Soft Pastel
Linda Merchant teaches how to use soft pastels to make realistic paintings at High Hand Gallery.
This course will provide the basis for a realistic style using soft pastels. Students will learn the basics of working in soft pastel, including use of the soft pastel palette, identifying color and value, and other techniques. A reference will be provided by the instructor. Students are asked to bring their own materials; a materials list will be provided, but will typically consist of an easel, soft pastels, soft pastel paper and board, and any other items needed for the class. Students may sign up for one class, or take this course on an ongoing basis. 3 hours, $60.
Sign up for class using the link below.
June 2, 1pm–4pm
Individual and Small Group Private Lessons
Individual and small group private lessons are available. These lessons are tailored to the needs of the individual painting student, and will work on building the student’s painting skills from his or her current ability level. Specific skills can be worked on as desired – please let the instructor know what skills you would like to work on when you schedule this lesson. Lessons will be held at the High Hand Gallery complex, and will be scheduled by appointment.
Lessons may include the following:
- Basic Oil Painting Techniques
- Basic Soft Pastel Techniques
- Seeing Values
- Seeing Color
- Painting Realism
- Painting Animals and Wildlife
- Painting Still Life
- Painting using Grisaille and Glazing Techniques
- Alla Prima Techniques
$45 for the first hour, $35 each additional hour per student per day. Lessons are available as a single day workshop or on an ongoing basis.
Please contact linda@lamgallery.com to schedule lessons.
