Though it appears that Fort Worth artist Linda Blackburn faithfully records vintage Western film stills in her paintings, her approach is more calculated and complex. The individual subjects and objects within a painting may derive from a compilation of appropriated images that she combines to serve as a vehicle for her gestural paintings. Her seemingly naïve renderings depict disproportionate and hovering objects, odd perspectives, or awkwardly rendered horse and rider. Our natural tendency is to create a clear narrative of the disjointed elements she presents. Once the viewer abandons the deciphering or realizes the futility of a linear narrative, they are free to focus on the artist’s use of expressive of color, gestural brushstrokes, and areas of the composition that dissolve into pure abstraction. In short, they can appreciate and enjoy the painting for what it truly is—a painting.

LINDA BLACKBURN: Borrowed Trouble is generously supported by Carolyn & Karl Rathjen with additional funding from David & Ellen Berman, Liz & Russ Fleischer, Michael Glover, Joseph Hargrove, BB Moncrief & Billy Hassell, Amy & Patrick Kelly, and Suzanne & Patrick McGee.