The winning bidder will receive this plein air oil painting of landscape with lilacs which evokes the peace and tranquility of a rural spring landscape. It was painted in Essex, MA. Linda Lea Bertrand is a local plein air artist whose subjects often bring out the overlooked beauty around us. She paints scenes of the North Shore and of Provence, France.

Creating art started for me as a refuge from the stress of a career in nursing. Working with the critically ill was fulfilling, but also very draining.

Painting New England seascapes and landscapes, where I strive to absorb the local colors and capture the changing light, weather, and seasons, evokes a sense of peace and tranquility in me. It was the the perfect antidote to the stresses of my job and soon became a passion for me.

Eventually I left nursing to pursue my true passion for art. My joy is in creating realistic plein air paintings with an impressionistic color sense that powerfully draws you into the scenes that I capture.

A passion of mine is the French countryside. I visit France every year to capture the ambiance, light, and color of the provincial villages, vistas, and ancient architecture that dot the landscape. Painting in Provence shows a truly a different way of life. I think I am always unconsiously looking for my French roots.

It's my hope to impart the same feelings of peace and tranquility in you that I feel as I create my work. To provide you with a respite from the stresses of your busy life and help remind you of the things that make life worth living.