Experimentsing with cradleboards. I've always like the finish and I like working in pairs. This is sanding them down to accept paper or gesso. It will take a couple passes to make them just smooth enough. I'm mounting paper on one and gessoing the other.

Yep, doing Philadelphia Open studios again this year.

Hope you mark your calendar. This year my weekend is October 25 and 26. Studios are open from noon to 6 pm.

There will be lots going on in the building so save the date.

1241 Carpenter Street : Third Floor

Today I packed up my sketchbook, pens, and colored pencils to draw at the shore. There was a strong wind off the ocean all day. The sky and ocean were so dramatic. I only made one drawing but took about a dozen of so photographs. I was much more interested being in the moment instead of drawing — I absorbed every ounce of the moment that I could.

I've lost track of what day it is in the studio. I just know today is the last of the marathon.

I've gotten my groove back and I have three projects going on simultaneously. It's always good when I have several series in the works. One will take off and take over. But until then I explore the possibilities and one project feeds the other.

These are the drawings that have my attention right now.

I'm caught up in their rhythm and their heat.

I've been in a place where yellow art is taking up all the space in my head and my studio. I went through the flat files to see these yesterday. I've wanted to move these drawings forward but haven't found what exactly would help that happen.

I now have them out so I can stare them down a bit.

Sometimes for a break I sit in that white chair on the fire escape. Exterior fire escapes are so much friendlier than modern enclosed stairwells. 

Just had to post the view today. It's always interesting. Sometimes it is magnificent!

Behold!

When I started the day this surface was full of stuff. Everything has been put in its place. Progress. Now I can use this counter for trimming some sheets down to size. 

Lots of special items pinned to that wall.

Shelves are starting to look like my studio again.

Here's a look at things as they are now. Made huge progress. The space is almost ready to make some large pieces again. I've got new things on the wall looking to be framed. Tomorrow is day three of the studio marathon.