Linzi Raudabaugh is the featured artist for January and February 2024. She creates minimalist and abstract art utilizing a hyper-realistic approach. Inspired by natural beauty and rhythm, Linzi has created art in all mediums: pencil, acrylic, oil, watercolor, and mixed media. Shelby Pizzarro recently caught up with Linzi.
An Interview with the Artist
Meet Linzi
Hiya!
My name is Linzi Raudabaugh, and I am a 33 year old self-taught artist and dispatcher for PSH Life Lion. Both caring for people and art have always been my purpose in life, so when I create, it’s often depicted from the beauty in the people that I see all around. Humanity will always be my favorite subject to render. I work with all mediums and can create minimalist and abstract art, but tend to stick to a hyper-realistic approach. I’ve created art ranging in size from a handful of children’s books illustrations all the way to large scale realistic canvas decor. Anything you could imagine, I can commission! I hope that my art makes your heart sing.
What is the source of your inspiration?
The source of my inspiration often comes from things with great expression. It could be in the way that my subject’s face crinkles when they laugh, or the way the light plays off an object. I find beauty and rhythm in everything, so if it catches my eye and inspires me, I go on to render it on paper or a canvas.
How would you describe your art?
I would describe it as hyper-realistic. While I can draw or paint subjects in a more simple manner, I tend to stick to references with a great amount of detail and then I hyper-focus on those details. I have always enjoyed realistic art, so I often stick with creating people or animals that have imperfections. I focus on heavily contrasting those areas (which I find the most beautiful and fun to draw).What do you enjoy most about creating new art?
I’d have to say the way that it moves someone! If I can evoke some kind of emotion out of one person—whether it’s tears, a gasp, or anything of the like—then I feel over the moon. I also enjoy the sense of rhythm when I create a new piece. I often listen to cinematic music as I create, which makes me feel closer to what I am portraying on paper.
How do you start new work? Is your process always the same? If not, how does it change?
My process when starting a new piece of work is generally the same, with the exception that sometimes I may work into a different area first. Usually I begin by soft-drafting a rough sketch or guideline to ensure that my proportions are correct. This can be tricky if I am creating a subject that has asymmetrical features. Thereafter I will start building in the value and then heavily focus on perfecting each detail.
Do you have a favorite or “go to” technique when starting a work?
If I am using graphite/carbon pencils, my favorite technique to use is an electric eraser and an Exacto knife for highlights. Then I use tortillions for blending. There is also a graphite pencil mixed with carbon that I really enjoy using for getting my shadows pitch black without any shine. If I am using colored pencils, my favorite technique is burnishing the array of color with a white or clear pencil. This gives the piece its smooth appearance. I also thoroughly enjoy varnishing the final product, especially if it’s a painted canvas.
Do you have a favorite medium? Has your preference changed over the years?
My preference wavers, honestly. I was originally a black and white artist, but then discovered that I can work into values with colored pencil as well. It’s certainly more challenging working in colored pencils, as you never use just one solid color, especially when working with skin tones. For example, you need to use complementary colors instead of just layering more regular graphite pencil.Do you ever experience a creative block? If so, how do you rejuvenate your creativity?
If I have a creative block, I won’t often find myself trying to create. When I feel hyper-inspired is usually when I rush to the art store to purchase new supplies. Sometimes that alone excites me enough to sit for hours to create something.
I find everything in life aesthetically pleasing—so lighting, sounds, smells, and colors quickly snap me back into creative mode.
Do you have a favorite/inspirational quote?
Ooo, this is a difficult one because I have so many! I forget who quoted it and I’m going to give my rendition, “Music moves our souls where our thoughts are too painful to say out loud.” I feel the same way about art. They’re both an intricate dance and web of emotions and I love to feel.
Do you have any current or future projects you’d like to share?
I would love to do a series of 18×24 hyper-focused pieces of black and white. I.e., Water droplets on a can, lace on a Victorian dress, etc. I’d like to really hone in on these details on a grand scale. Finding the time is tricky, though, as my career as a dispatcher in EMS takes up a good chunk. Twelve hours of that and alternating the other half with sleep doesn’t leave a lot of time!
Contact the Artist
People can reach me via phone at 717-836-6634 or by email at [email protected]
I do commissions, anywhere from illustrations to realism, and I work with all mediums including pencil, acrylic, oil, watercolor, and mixed media.
Visit Dillsburg Library
Linzi Raudabaugh’s artwork can be seen at Dillsburg Library during January and February 2024 during open hours: Mon-Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri 10am-3pm, and Sat 10am-5pm. The Dillsburg Area Public Library is located at 204 Mumper Lane in Dillsburg. We look forward to seeing you!