No. 5

Sadly, I've got to stop using this paper, only halfway through my ten pieces of paper. I was excited about it in the beginning – 10 sheets of 38 x 70 inch eco-friendly (by that I finally figure out they mean renewable, but not necessarily good). It's not holding up well, and I fear for its lifespan.

So, I have cut down a larger piece of Stonehenge to the same size and can do at least one more...

It will be a practice run for my gallery drawing at Elmira next week, so I'll start with a bit of subtle monotype. Right now.

Number four of ten

They say that in order to make a change you have to do things in a different way. I learned a lot from making this drawing for a couple of reasons:

I started out drawing with a stick and ink (hmmmm).

I could only see half of the piece while I was working on it (big wall issues).

I took a break overnight in between halves.

I managed, for a change, to push through the tightness and horror vacui into the eye of the storm (where white space works and scribbles are good). I love this eraser.

OK, I know I'm way behind in my 10 drawings in 10 days project. I've had a cold; I've been pretending to be a cowgirl in Nashville; I'm getting ready to do a gallery drawing at Elmira College next week. But, we press on.

Day four, drawing three

Yeah, I know. So much for structure...

This drawing just didn't want to work. God knows I tried. I do like the dog; and the bear trap. I think I'd better go out and breath for a while before beginning the next piece.

Two out of ten

The light is fading so I had to photograph the drawing now (6 p.m.). I will probably work on it a bit more. Large white areas make it easier to breathe.

I need a new camera.

Ten big drawings, ten big days

Just back home from Ireland. Visiting the Burren always helps me get focused to draw.

I found this great, cheap paper – it's six feet wide – I have ten sheets of it, so will make ten drawings in ten days. I made this one listening to Patti Smith. Yum.