Formerly a resident of Cobalt, CT. watercolorist Linda M. Norton relocated in July 2000 to the maternal family home in Camden, ME. Her grandfather, Horace Leadbetter, a lifetime resident of Camden, was from generations of seafaring men dating back to his ancestors settling on Vinalhaven Island in 1769."The coast of Maine is in my blood, I love the sea and salt air. The Schooners, Trawlers and Lobster boats and the inherent beauty and power of the sea." says Linda. "Opening my studio and gallery in the barn where my grandfather worked is an exciting challenge".  Inspired by the beauty of nature and the constantly changing weather of Penobscot Bay on the Maine coast, Linda paints what she sees and feels as well as her childhood memories of Camden. Her traditional realism is a unique way of capturing the "moments in time" that inspire her art."Marine art has become a major subject. Having spent every summer on the Maine coast at my Uncle's boat yard." she says. Linda and other children in the family were expected to understand and respect the changing nature of the sea, the weather and the vessels that navigated its waters. In January 2001 four of Linda's Coast Guard paintings were juried by the Salmagundi Club Selection Committee into the U. S. Coast Guard Permanent Collection and were included in their 2001-02, National Tour. Linda is also one of the four national recipients of the George Gray Award for 2001-2002 Given by the Coast Guard to chosen CoGAP members for their artistic ability to depict USCG duties, equipment and personal.