Lynda Zalig-Vitort

Boise, Idaho | Watercolor, Pastel & Acrylic | Plein Air

“Every day is challenging, different, exciting, rewarding—and always a learning experience.”

Lynda Zalig-Vitort discovered plein air painting after a lifetime of encouraging creativity in others. Originally a ceramics major, Lynda spent her career as an elementary school teacher, helping young students learn to read, explore science and math, make marks on paper, and—every day—paint with watercolors.

After retiring, she took her own creative journey to Tuscany, where she studied painting with a tutor and a group of fellow artists. The experience was both challenging and inspiring, motivating her to sketch, draw, and paint every day.

About three years ago, Lynda began painting outdoors. Today she works in watercolor and pastel and has recently added acrylic painting to her artistic exploration.

Painting En Plein Air

For Lynda, painting outdoors is much like teaching young children: every day is different, challenging, exciting, and rewarding. She embraces the physical challenge of carrying a backpack full of supplies, as well as the mental challenge of responding to a constantly changing scene.

Painting outside is also a lesson in acceptance. Sometimes a painting comes together beautifully. Sometimes the day’s success is simply learning something new.

And then there are the unexpected rewards. Lynda loves when someone stops to watch her paint, asks questions, or exclaims, “Wow, you are so talented!” Occasionally, a passerby even wants to buy the painting she is working on.

For Lynda, each sketch and painting is another step in a lifelong process of learning and growth.

A Creative Process of Discovery

Lynda sees every painting as an opportunity to challenge herself and do her best with whatever the day brings. The changing light, weather, subject, and surroundings all become part of the experience.

Her goal isn’t simply to create a finished painting. It is to keep learning, keep experimenting, and enjoy the process along the way.

Beyond the Easel

Lynda loves to ski and read when she isn’t painting. She also has a particular fondness for flowers, making Edwards Greenhouse one of her favorite places to paint.

Whether surrounded by flowers, working beside a river, or carrying her painting gear into a new landscape, Lynda approaches plein air with curiosity, enthusiasm, and the joy of discovering what each day has to teach her.

Instagram: @lynda_64_