Linda Travers Smith SWA is a self-taught artist whose creative journey began unexpectedly during a three-year Exchange Tour to California with her husband, an RAF pilot. Unable to work during this period, she joined local art classes and discovered an immediate, lifelong passion. Over the following 18 years, while living overseas in both the United States and Germany, art became a vital stabilising influence in her life. Upon returning to the UK, she transitioned into education, teaching initially within Adult Education and subsequently as a private tutor. Since the Covid pandemic, she has adjusted her focus, moving away from regular teaching to concentrate on workshops and exhibitions. Motivated by a constant search for new ideas and challenges, Linda’s work is invariably triggered by a specific moment or experience she feels compelled to share. She draws deep inspiration from her extensive travels, the changing seasons, and a profound love of nature and her surroundings. She has exhibited widely across the country, and has been a member of the Society of Women Artists since 1998, exhibiting regularly at their annual exhibition, as well as with The Wildlife Art Society International. Awards & Distinctions2025 HRH Princess Michael of Kent Award for ‘Jackdaws’ (Society of Women Artists)2025 Highly Commended for ‘Mabula Spirit’ (The Wildlife Art Society)2022 Finalist, ‘Artist of the Year’ (The Artist & Leisure Painter - TALP)2021 HRH Princess Michael of Kent Award for ‘Body of Work’ (Society of Women Artists)2021 Gold Citation for ‘Tiger at Bandgevagh’ (The Wildlife Art Society International)2017 Finalist for ‘Crawshay’s Zebra’ (International Artist “Artist Challenge”)2017 Finalist for ‘Remembrance’ (Society of All Artists Exhibition)2015 Highly Commended for ‘Bald Eagle’ (Armed Forces Art Society)2004 Runner up for ‘Frosty Whiskers’ (Paint a Wildlife Subject)2003 Certificate of Merit for ‘Flamingo Serenade’ (Paint a Wildlife Subject)2001 Best in Show for ‘Myrtle’ (Paint a Wildlife Subject)2000 Best Watercolour for ‘Spider web’ (Paint a Wildlife Subject)