Arts & Entertainment

Linda Doyle's Bulldogs Unleashed Q+A

Artist Linda J. Doyle talks about her inspiration for Sherlock Bones.

The summer of 2011 may be remembered for many reasons, but one will be , the public art display of 25 larger-than-life bulldogs that has captured the interest and imagination of many local residents. Here is an interview with Linda J. Doyle, one of a series with the artists whose creativity have made the exhibit a success since the 30-inch-high by 50-inch-long frames went on display in June.

Her Sherlock Bones is one of 14 decorated bulldogs that will be auctioned off Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Fox Valley Country Club, 2500 N. River Rd. (Route 25), North Aurora.

On July 4 Sherlock Bone's pipe went missing in . Doyle has since created a new pipe for the dog and it's now fully restored.

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Batavia Patch: What is the name of your bulldog and where can we see it?

Linda J. Doyle: My bulldog is named Sherlock Bones and it is at the corner of South River Street (Route 25) and East Wilson Street, down from .

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Batavia Patch: Who is your sponsor?

Doyle: Masus Financial Group.

Batavia Patch: What was your inspiration for it?

Doyle: My inspiration for the bulldog was Director George Scheetz and my father's interest and love of mysteries. After speaking with Mr. Scheetz I felt that it would be a natural for the dog to become an image that reflects a whimsical and sophisticated feel. The project took about six weeks to complete. Each level needs to dry completely as it is being sculpted and then painted. These projects are always a labor of love. The armature has wire and papier mache, then resin to make it waterproof. I used acrylic paints to add character and make the entire piece beautiful. 

Batavia Patch: How long you have been an artist?

Doyle: I have been an artist since high school. I was greatly influenced by my then art teacher Mr. Acri who inspired me to pursue an art degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

Batavia Patch: Why you became an artist?

Doyle: I love to challenge the norm and create pieces that reflect a moment in time.

Batavia Patch: What is your inspiration for your art?

Doyle: I am inspired by Georgia O'Keefe, van Gogh,The Hudson River painters and Andrew Wyeth.

Batavia Patch: What media do you usually use?

Doyle: I always use acrylic paints and sometimes watercolor.

Batavia Patch: What is the favorite subject for your work?

Doyle: My favorite subjects to do are landscapes and nature, i.e. flowers and birds.

Batavia Patch: Where can the public see your work?

Doyle: The public can see my work on my Web site www.lindadoyleart.com

To purchase tickets for the Sept. 10 Bulldogs Unleashed auction, or for more information, go to bulldogsunleashed.org.


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