Art teacher displays her passion for watercolor

Linda Hoover, an elementary school teacher, has traveled to Russia and China gaining inspiration that she can use to produce one-of-a-kind watercolor art.

“I love watercolor; it’s my passion,” Hoover said.

Hoover, of Houstonia, has been teaching art to elementary students at Northwest Elementary School for 12 years.

“I like to make art. I like to teach art and I like to encourage other people to make art,” Hoover said.

She has painted murals at the school, churches and private homes and her artwork is being featured at the Liberty Center Association for the Arts through the end of May.

Hoover said she has an eclectic taste and her art reflects that.

“My art is about art,” Hoover said.

She primarily uses watercolors, but has worked with graphite, pen, pencils and acrylics.
Madge Gressley, of Sedalia, had known Hoover for several years. They are both members of Mid-Missouri Artists Inc. and the Sedalia Visual Arts Association.

“I love her artwork. She is a wonderful watercolorist,” Gressley said.

Gressley described Hoover’s art as a cross between photo realism and impressionistic.

“It’s beautiful artwork and her subject matter is very interesting too,” Gressley said.

Two years ago, Hoover traveled to China and did a lot of caricature work for people while visiting.

“It’s a good way to connect with the people when you don’t share the same language,” Hoover said.

Last year, Hoover visited Russia and with her camera and sketch book in hand she brought back ideas for new pieces.

“It was a wonderful adventure,” she said.

Hoover has about 20 pieces on display at the Liberty Center and some of them reflect her recent travels.

She is currently working on a painting from her trip to China, which can take her more than 20 hours to complete. She said she is always coming up with new ideas and more things that she would like to do.

“She’s right up there with some of the top watercolorists in the area,” Gressley said.

Most of the art in the exhibition is for sale and Hoover also does commission pieces. There will also be prints for sale.

Hoover is the superintendent of the art department for the Missouri State Fair and is involved with many art organizations in the area.

“My goal would be just to look back on my life and hope I would be a blessing to my community and contribute to the arts in my community,”
Hoover said.

People may visit the upstairs of the Liberty Center between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday throught the end of May to see Hoover’s work.

People interested in buying any of Hoover’s artwork can also visit her Web site at www.lindahooverart.com.