Olsen was born in Montana. She received a double major degree in art and German from Rocky Mountain College in Billings. After graduating with an art degree, she moved to Columbia Falls and began teaching art and German at Columbia Falls High School. After retiring from teaching and running family businesses Olsen returned to her passion for painting and attended Flathead Valley Community College. She took classes from award winning artist Karen Leigh and nationally known artist Susan Arthur. She continued her painting studies with famed local artist, Mark Ogle. Linda is currently a Signature Member of the Montana Watercolor Society, Plein Air Painters of the Flathead and Glacier Art Museum.