One of my measurement drawings. It still doesn't have a name. We're having a nonverbal conversation. I thought offering it a frame might help reveal a name.

Acrylic Ink on Yupo Synthetic Paper.

The past few days I have been working on a commission. I've been spending time near the ocean to create a measurements piece that will be installed at a beach house. Being near the ocean in late september and early October is very informative. The weather conditions can be incredibly different from morning through evening and from one day to the next.

These are two images I took on two consecutive days. There was also a day where the fog was thick right through noon. I experienced so many states of light and texture so close to where the land touches the ocean.

I've got a special bag just for art supplies ready to go at all times. 

Here I am by the ocean with a selection of my tools. The bag has served me well since I set up my pencil cases, brush rollups and assortment of pads and sketchbooks. I can also carry it as a backpack and it is just the right size to be light and confortable while I carry a slew of optional drawing implements.

Time to take it out for another spin.

This morning I opened a package in my snail mail to find some handmade square sheets of paper. Shortly later I made this drawing.

I had never used this ink, this pen, or this paper before. Difficult drawing, Interesting results. 

The way that the small sheet and all the edges come into play when placed on a larger surface make the deckle feel like a drawn edge.

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 good hot cuppa Joe and off to the studio today. Time to make some drawings on new Fabriano paper I'm gonna pick up as soon as the art supply opens.

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 difficulty is in motivation. How to get started drawing when I was stuck? This almost never happens. Yesterday I was able to get started in the studio again. I had an art play date. Artgal Amy Ralston brought some supplies over and the two of us just experimented. Every once in a while we would chat, stop for a cup of coffee, or show eachother what we had made so far. I took to filling this page with lines — feeling the movement, playing with gaps and patterns. I was able to get something going.

It takes not being too serious and eliminating the expectations of outcome.

I was organizing in my studio and came across three drawings I made a couple years back at the Jersey shore. I often go to the ocean to make drawings. I love sitting on the boardwalk or even in the car if it is raining and making marks that feel like that moment. I often create a series of glphs or make repetitive lines that define the consition of water or grasses, sand or sky. These drawings reminded me that I hadn't made any plein air in several months. I need to get outside and to look and listen to the rhythm of my surroundings.

I've really been unable to make any progress in my studio for the last two months. This is something new for me. It has never happened before. I'm internally motivated and I make lots of work all the time.

I've decided that I need to take some gentle action.

I started making small experimental sketches in my Moleskine. I've also decided to carry a couple more sketchbooks and pens in my art gobag.