Linda Mitchell (born Atlanta, 1960) grew up in a family that nurtured her strong, early interest in both animals and making art. As a child, she started painting, making animal figurines, and sewing, all of which informed her work as a mature artist. After studying at Georgia State University and Berry College, Mitchell attended the University of Georgia, receiving a BFA in 1982. While there she developed a special interest in lithography, and she credits printmaking for spurring her feeling for layering images and textures. Mitchell went on to receive an MFA in painting from the University of Georgia in 1990, and an MFA in sculpture from Georgia State University in 1994. In 2000 Mitchell began creating large acrylic paintings that combined actual objects with painted illusion. In 2006 she started sewing fabric animals as well. The animal figures have been used as models for paintings and as photographic images collaged to the surface of pieces. The animals often express human emotions as they are combined with images of ephemeral beauty from nature.