Romantic Realist Linda Cordair

Linda Cordair and I first met because of Quent Cordair Fine Art. My husband, Norm, had collected quite a bit of fine art before we were married. When the time came that we were willing to part with one piece and have it auctioned to benefit an organization, we took it to Quent Cordair. At the time, we did not realize that Linda was a specialist in Cappuletti’s art. Since then, we have kept up with each other, discussing art we have and artists they represent.

When Luxe Beat Magazine was looking for someone to write articles on art, I immediately thought of Linda. Not only is she a good writer, selfishly, I knew she would cover artists I enjoy. So, it is with pleasure that we bring you our interview with her.

LBM: Linda, tell us a little about yourself and your background.

Linda: I was born in 1964 in Eschwege, Germany, and now reside and work in Napa, California—the heart of the wine country—where with my husband, Quent, I enjoy some of the world’s best wine and food, and own an art gallery brimming with uplifting and inspirational paintings and sculptures.

When not working in the gallery, I enjoy exploring wine country, cooking, traveling and being a mother to our two children, Joshua and Sarah. The Quent Cordair Fine Art gallery was opened by Quent Cordair in 1996 in Burlingame, California. In 2003, I assumed management of the business as it continued to grow, with square footage doubling in 2006, yet even this space proved to be too small. In 2008, we moved the gallery to a 3600 square-foot location in downtown Napa, where today we offer the finest selection of Romantic Realism in the world.

The physical gallery is located at 1301 First Street in Downtown Napa. Its extensive collection can also be enjoyed online at http://www.cordair.com. Quent and I live in Napa with our cats, Lexie and Sadie, and our border collie, Mollie.

LBM: How did you discover your love for travel, food and art?

Linda: I grew up traveling as an army brat and then worked in the travel industry for over 20 years. I left travel to pursue a career in fine art and then relocated our art gallery to wine country, where I can have it all; quite the luxury evolution!

LBM: Are you more passionate about writing or photography and why? 

Linda: I would have to say photography, because I am much better at it. When I was in high school, I worked for three different newspapers as a photographer and part-time journalist. My favorite part of the job was developing the 35mm film.

LBM: Tell us about your writing process?

Linda: Sometimes, I create an outline on a topic and fill in the information as time permits. Other times, I just open a Word document and go for it! Fortunately, I am married to a writer, so a world-class editor is always close by.

LBM: When you get the chance to pick your travel destination, where do you go?

Linda: I love a good travel adventure and I generally want to go somewhere that I have never been to before. Even though I already live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, Paris, Florence, Dublin, Tahiti and Thailand are all high on my travel wish list these days.

LBM: If you could be anyone else, who would it be?

Linda: My life is wonderful; I would not care to be anyone else.

LBM: What motivates you to be a luxury journalist?

Linda: My sense of life is a perfect fit with Luxe Beat Magazine – Life as it could and should be. We only get so many heartbeats and should make every effort to enjoy each one of them via the luxuries that make us happiest.

LBM: What is one of your favorite experiences while traveling? 

Linda: Quent and I were married on a semi-private beach in the Cayman Islands in the presence of our two children and a few passers by. It was a perfectly breezy and romantic Caribbean day.

LBM: Who is your favorite chef? 

Linda: I admire Julia Child for her passion, talent, tenacity and fearless and completely unapologetic nature. I enjoy recreating some of her recipes from time to time. What an amazing woman she was!

LBM: How do you enjoy spending your free time? 

Linda: My hobbies tend to revolve around my palate. I am an absolute food and wine junkie. I like to spend my days off cooking or exploring wine country. I also dabble a little in the garden and with my Art Goddess blog.

LBM: What are you thoughts on the business of luxury and how it is evolving?

Linda: Technology continues to open luxurious doors. I love being able to armchair travel to exotic places when my schedule requires my presence at home. Technology also allows me to share the beautiful art in our gallery with people all over the world. Nearly 80% of our art business comes via our website. We had the first art gallery website in the 90s. Our presence online brings luxury to people around the world every day, many of whom do not otherwise have access to museum quality art.

LBM: If you were stranded on an island, name one person and three items you would bring.

Linda: My husband Quent, a lifetime supply of great champagne and my cast-iron skillet.

LBM: If we came to your hometown, what would we do? 

Linda: The day would start with a champagne toast before our hot-air balloon ride over the vineyards, followed by a gourmet breakfast. Then, we would visit Quent Cordair Fine Art, where we would explore some of the finest romantic realist art. We would then lunch with a view at one of my favorite lunch spots, perhaps Auberge du Soleil, and then out and about to enjoy some world-class wine tasting; all via limousine of course, after which, we would have to head back to the gallery for more art and to build up an appetite for a delectable dinner at 1313 Main – LuLu’s Kitchen, followed by wine fireside at one of the local hot spots, before retiring for the evening in a suite at one of the local bed and breakfasts owned by close friends.

LBM: What are three necessities you won’t travel without?

Linda: My phone, my glasses and my wedding ring.

What does Luxe Beat Magazine mean to you?

Luxe Beat is a tool, a guide and a companion for luxury living.

Linda Cordair can be reached at linda@cordair.com or via cordair.com.