With a degree in Business Management, Linda Zempel spent most of her life in banking—a solid, traditional, and uncreative career. However, her very first job was in a fabric store, surrounded by gifted seamstresses and beautiful textiles, and she has always seen sewing as a way to express her own unique style. Linda also has a keen interest in photography and, though she now works in Adobe Lightroom, she fondly remembers many happy hours spent developing black and white photos in the improvised darkroom of her first apartment.

For years, Linda thrived in the world of private banking. Helping people navigate investments and life decisions provided a real sense of accomplishment. Although rewarding, the career eventually gave way to an irresistible desire for a more creative outlet.

After retiring, Linda dove headfirst into the world of watercolors. She began with realistic landscapes and still lifes, but soon found herself drawn to the freedom of abstraction. Watercolor and ink washes became her favorite mediums, allowing her to play with light and shadow to create more emotional compositions. Her background in textiles and photography peeks through in the layers and textures of her work.

Now one of 18 artists in residence at the I Street Art Studios, Linda finds her creativity soaring. She recently chaired the studio’s Red Dress Challenge, an event that brought together 62 artists—many of them showing their work for the first time—to bring their creative visions to life.

Linda’s journey continues at the I Street Art Studios, where she participates in Midtown Sacramento’s Second Saturday art celebrations. Visitors are welcome to stop by and discover her latest work, with the studio open every Second Saturday from 2–8 pm.