I've been making drawings daily in anticipation of Philadelphia Open Studio Tours. Working in different directions, experimenting.

I'll be showing drawings new and old. This pic is a Hipstamatic grab of two drawings. Been very busy extending my measurement works. These show three dips. The larger needs the last pen dip. 

I'll be looking forward to visitors from noon - 6 PM.

I'm working with smaller drawings now. It's all in response to the heat and how much energy it takes to make big drawings. I love small drawings and right now I am making drawings that can be paired or shown in multiples.

This is the start of a larger series of drawings made on 7 x7 inch paper. They follow the rules of the measuremnt series; dipping a pen and drawing a single stroke one after another until the ink is gone and repaeating this until it fills a defined field. The drawing reveals a rhythm and the marks measure the distance and mass one dip of a pen can make. 

Back in the studio in August and it's already been very productive. My last visit I completed another drawing in a new series.

These drawings consist of three repetitive marks drawn in columns. I'm learning about how the columns react based on speed, ink, and drawing impelments. This drawing was made using prefilled drawing pens. They create a consistant line and tone. I love the different experience from close and distant views. Still, they don't run out of ink for many. many marks. This is not consistant with my need to use measuring as a key element in making my recent work.

A trip to Artist and Craftsman. Picking out paper for new drawings. Also picked up two new cradleboard panels for my ongoing long and short project.

Finding a rhythm, 1, 2, 3.

After filling some pages with lines moving in various directions I defined a zone in which to draw a series of short lines. Each grouping of three is stacked on another three. These marks create an undulating column. 

I began drawing a series of these columns and investigated the resulting lines. This image is one small test drawing. Using different drawing tools changes the appearance of the three line groups and ultimately the motion of the columns. I'm currently making a series of drawings based on these marks.

The short lines have begun.

In this group of drawings the short lines are made on watercolor paper mounted to a board. This is the first in the pair. The green feels like spring. Looking forward to what transpires as the marks continue.

Already the drawing appears differently based on the angle from which it is viewed.

I've been making these very small drawings with walnut ink. They feel old, they feel like small twigs in the woods, they are cryptic.

I determined some criteria for making them based on the ink. The ink is in a very small pot. It is handmade and has a handwritten label on the lid. All of these details ask one to slow down and appreciate the moment of placing a sheet of paper on a drawing surface, opening the ink pot slowly. and dipping the pen.

Each dip and mark are their own voice.

This new drawing was inspired by my recent walnut ink drawings.

Where the walnut ink is subtle the acrylic ink I used for this drawing and a humber of others is not. Still there is an amazing variation of hue and intensity. This drawing and a number of others consist of 18 lines drawn and stacked on a single small sheet. This would fit in a   9 x 12 inch frame.

I often draw brown marks in the spring. These recent drawings are like little sticks. The drawing wants another mark. Something warmer? Not sure yet.

This is another drawing I began and set aside. I pulled it out this week and added a series of lines. It needs more work. I'm interested in maintaining the presence that the white lines have.

It's hanging on the working wall now so that I can approach it again. It may take some time to discover what is next. I'm ok with that.