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.

Travelin'

The Central Library show has moved up to Richmond. Catch it at Tarrant's on W. Broad if your travels take you there.

Recycle, repurpose

So, the plan is to recycle a few so-so drawings into three dimensional sculptures. This is the first one.

The next step is to make some drawings from the drawings, usually a fun exercise for me. Right now, though, I'm struggling: 'drawing things' is much more perilous than just 'drawing.' Feels tight and wrong. How can it be right OR wrong?

I think I want to make fluid and ethereal pictures, but I keep ending up with harsh, graphic work. Shall I just give in? I won't upload the graphic work just now. I'll take another day or so to study the cut paper.