The Cedar Key Arts Center gallery was jam packed with art lovers for their latest exhibit opening and artist's reception on Saturday night. This month's exhibit features the work of two very talented artists, Linda Amundsen and Linda Brandt. Though both artists paint in contemporary styles, each has a unique and distinctive flair to their work.
Ms. Amundsen, who hails from Longwood, Florida, has a magical touch when capturing flora and fauna on canvas. Her paintings are filled with lush, jewel like tones that impart a sweeping elegance to even the simplest subject matter. One can almost smell the earthy scent of sun warmed palms, or the subtle sweetness of the ginger blossoms she has captured in her work. A series of still-lifes is given an old world masters touch with the addition of ornate black and gilded frames. The background in these classic paintings looks as though they were painted on plush velvet, and makes one want to run a finger gently across their surface to feel their rich texture. 
Brilliant red ginger berries
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Elegant Bird-of-Paradise
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Richly hued bromilliads and orchids
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Classic old masters style
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Ms. Brandt's work ranges in color from brilliant crayon bright to sensual swirls of sleek black. Her subject matter is just as eclectic; from the lighthouse at St. Augustine, to a table set for one. She incorporates unusual mediums with stunning results, mixing India ink with watercolors, or melted glass and canvas. Some of the works have a sixties pop-art feel reminiscent of Peter Max, with bold strokes and melting swirls of color. Others offer a more serene look at the world, like the soft pastel colors and simple lines of a woman lying on the beach being caressed by gentle waves. Everyday objects become exquisite treasures when she commits their form to canvas, capturing the essence of what makes them beautiful to the eye. 
That "sixties' feel captured on canvas
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Simple lines of an island palm
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A fusion of canvas, paint and melted glass
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Everyday objects offer simple pleasure
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The exhibit will run through the month of March and is free to the public. The Arts Center Gallery is located above the Keyhole Shop on 2nd Street.
The artist's may be contacted at:
Linda Amundsen
Phone: 407-339-1035
Email: amundseni@cs.com
Linda Brandt
Phone: 904-501-3469
Email: lmbart4u@aug.com | 