Lynn Goldstein
Washington DC, USA
Landscape Artist
I make contemporary landscapes that are bold, vivid, colorful, and alive. My paintings have been more representational, but are changing to more abstract in nature. I never tried to replicate exactly what I was seeing in front of me, and I do that even less now.
Lynn Goldstein, Landscape Artist
With landscape, there is never a loss for inspiration. I go out for walks in the woods, I take pictures while traveling, and when I work more abstractly, I use images from magazines and change them considerably. They start as abstracts and turn into abstracted landscapes.
Lynn Goldstein in her studio
At what age did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I have always loved making art. I was interested in all kinds of art. I played musical instruments, and I studied ballet until I had to have surgery on both of my feet. Visual art was the thread that was woven throughout my life, though. Throughout all the other artistic interests, I was drawing and painting. My mother was an artist, and my first art teacher.
Which classical or contemporary artists have inspired you?
How would you describe your artistic style?
I make contemporary landscapes that are bold, vivid, colorful, and alive. My paintings have been more representational, but are changing to more abstract in nature. I never tried to replicate exactly what I was seeing in front of me, and I do that even less now.
When did you first sell an artwork? How did you feel?
I have been selling art for many years, so I am embarrassed to say that I don’t remember my first art sale. That said, I have been thinking a lot about why I enjoy selling my art. One of my most important values for myself as a human being is to make positive connections with others. Selling my art helps me to do that. When someone buys my work I know that they love it and it will make them happy for years to come. That makes me feel terrific because I know that I am fulfilling my mission in life
What's your workstyle? Do you work on one piece at a time or work simultaneously on multiple pieces?
When I work in oil, I tend to work on several pieces simultaneously. I make sketches in black and white, usually using pencils, but sometimes markers. Once I have worked out the composition, I start working on the canvas or panel. I allow the painting to dictate the direction that I am going to take as I am working. In other words, I am not simply attempting to replicate what I see in my resource materials. I am making changes based on what is on the canvas. There is a point, early on, when I stop looking at my resource and just paint.
How do you get the inspiration for a new piece?
With landscape, there is never a loss for inspiration. I go out for walks in the woods, I take pictures while traveling, and when I work more abstractly, I use images from magazines and change them considerably. They start as abstracts and turn into abstracted landscapes.
Tell us a bit about your personal life ...
I have lived in the Washington, DC area for decades and one of my favorite things to do is visit the museums in town. Most people are surprised to find out that I like public speaking! That’s because I have led tours at the National Portrait Gallery in DC for years. I also love traveling and have been fortunate enough to travel all over the world. As a result of being an artist, I have been able to travel to beautiful locations and teach workshops. I have been married to my traveling companion for over 30 years. We have one grown son who isn’t an artist, but who has a great appreciation for art and can spend almost as much time in museums as his mom.
A few pieces from Lynn Goldstein’s gallery
A Slice Of Eternity
Swimming Into Focus
Why they love Lynn Goldstein’s paintings …
J. Moss, Fairfax, VA
“Thank you very much for sending me this picture, it is lovely and makes me feel joy and stop and take a breath when I gaze upon it. It’s like doing yoga with my eyes. Thank you.”
M. Thompson, Arlington, VA
“Your work is tends to give off an aura of quiet introspection and serenity. When I look at your paintings, sooner or later, I find myself thinking, “Wow, I would sure like to spend the day there!”
More about Lynn Goldstein