Preparing

I have been busy drawing and painting in preparation for my upcoming show at beautiful Berry College in less than two months.  

I have started a number of new drawings and hope to finish as many as I can for the exhibition.

Three new drawings tacked on studio wall.

 Another drawing I am working on of underground burrows.

Detail of the tubing that is growing out of the tree stumps in a recent drawing.

 Another detail of a nursing mother coyote surrounded by burning sticks.

Great news! I have been asked to submit writing and work for an upcoming book by Ashley Rooney titled 100 Midwest Artists.  It should be in publication late 2011.

When to Stop

I always wonder when is it time to stop working on a drawing. Other than an exhibition date approaching or extreme boredom with the image, I always want to add more.  Since recently returning to the studio I have been treating my drawings if they are precious.  I hesitate to work on them or try new things. I hate feeling that way, it is as if my hands are tied behind my back. 

I already overworked this drawing last week with too much spray paint. I still hesitate to add more, even though I considered it wasted. 

When is more really more and when is more too much? 

This continues to run through my mind.  I will walk away from this drawing for a day or two until I feel more confident in my choices. 

Back to Work

My summer has been filled with a lot of traveling and newborn care.  Since my little one arrived in June I have been spending as much time with my family as possible.  Now he is a little older I am working in the studio when he sleeps and big sister is at preschool. 

Here are a few small studies,  testing some new media and reminding my fingers how to draw.

I will post photos of the drawings when they are done and I have started some larger works.   I am hoping for some quiet time in my future to prepare for upcoming exhibitions.  

Until then, I will enjoy this small, sweet, child.