Inspiration + Process
Charcoal and Pastel on Wood
The Inspiration
Western North Carolina is known for its postcard scenery, boasting colorful flora and dramatic sunsets; Endless ridge lines that command a full palette.
But it’s the naked knolls—brash with tangled grass and wind-twisted shrubs, blanketed by fog so dense you can only see 15ft ahead—that draw Linsey in.
Inspired by seemingly mundane views along beloved trails, Linsey describes these pieces as mental landscapes of her cathartic return to self and the restoration of abandoned dreams. In harmony with the wood grain, the slightly unpredictable mediums begin to lead the way—intuitive marks that embrace imperfection and uncertainty.
“Tiny briars cloaked by charming blooms. The tops of evergreens teasing an elusive path in the distance. The deafening silence … until a break in the clouds invites wind indistinguishable from white noise. Feelings of uncertainty seduced by tranquility.
For the first time in years, I’ve created work that feels true to myself. My hope is that it resonates with viewers in ways that are unique to them and their own journey, a gentle reminder that some of life’s most beautiful discoveries are made through moments of discomfort and difficulty.”
The Process
From portraiture and figure drawing to architectural renderings, Linsey has always enjoyed working with charcoals. However, in her renewed art practice, she’s using them in a much more playful way with more focus on the process itself — an act of rebellion against her own perfectionism.
Charcoal and soft pastels are messy, slightly unpredictable, and constantly move, especially across wood grain that dictates how and where the medium eventually settles. The unfinished birch panels are soft and vulnerable to occasional scratches from compressed chalks.
Taking cues from the grain pattern, Linsey starts each piece by applying several fine layers of ground charcoal and pastels to the unfinished birch panel with a brush, blending as needed by hand or felt cloth. Using assorted soft pastels and charcoals—some made at home from collected twigs—a series of gestural marks dance their way in, settling into each previous layer to produce a soft, supple haze.
While many works involve building layers upon layers to create depth, others take a reverse approach, using a kneaded eraser to draw in details and further shape the composition through subtraction.
“There are moments where I allow my eyes to lose focus and find rest, the composition in front of me momentarily blurred despite my hand still in motion. I never imagined how cathartic surrendering to the materials could be. Some of my favorite details are created during those moments of complete reverie.”
Homemade Charcoal from Collected Twigs
Multiple layers of fixative secure the marks and pigments. Cradled panels not framed behind glass receive an archival cold wax carefully applied by hand to seal the artwork in a satin finish. Frame pieces are cut to length at home, then brought into the studio where Linsey thoughtfully selects pieces that look best together and with each specific artwork. A 1/2” proud of the art surface, her frames are designed to provide an additional protection.
Nearly every part of a finished work is handmade. Blemishes and imperfections are very much a part of her process and add another layer of authenticity to each one-of-a-kind piece.
Framed Originals
Charcoal and chalk pastel on unfinished birch. Ready to hang in wood frames, bringing a moment of serenity to your space.