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. Intuitive marks made with a slightly unpredictable medium that, in harmony with the wood grain, begin to lead the way—embracing imperfection and uncertainty. A reminder that some of life’s most beautiful discoveries are made through moments of discomfort and difficulty.
“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
A lifelong fan of charcoal and chalk pastels, Linsey recently began using them in a different way. From portraiture and figure drawing, graphic and surface design, to architectural drawing and rendering, precision was always the goal. Today, Linsey is learning to lean into the process, challenging perfectionism along the way.
After taping off desired margins, each piece receives several fine layers of ground chalk pastel applied with a mop brush and blended by a combination of hand, felt cloth, and wash brush. Settling into the wood grain like a stain, this rich gradient grounds the composition, loosely blocked in with another layer of PanPastels. Slowly granting the medium more and more control, a series of intuitive, gestural marks made with homemade vine and compressed charcoal dance their way in, lightly blended each layer to produce a soft, velvet haze reminiscent of the mountain fog that steadies the breath and quiets the mind.
“In contrast to my past work heavily rooted in realism, I’ve allowed myself more room to play. Throughout this process, my eyes would unintentionally lose focus and find rest, the composition in front of me momentarily blurred despite my hand still in motion. Some of my favorite details from this series are products of those meditative moments—a true flow state, a silent reverie.”
Framed Originals
Charcoal and chalk pastel on natural birch wood panels. Ready to hang in wood frames, bringing a moment of serenity to your space.
Made-to-Order
Archival Art Prints
Made-to-Order, Starting at $60
Shop Linsey’s Work at Atomic Furnishing & Design
Open Daily at 178 Broadway St, Asheville
Linsey Gray x Splashworks Canvas Reproductions
Gallery Wrapped & Framed in High Point, NC