journal

POSTED ON Monday, July 6, 2015 - 11:10

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.

small sketchbook drawing by Stella Untalan.
POSTED ON Friday, June 5, 2015 - 07:29

When it is dark and you are pouring your french press into a mug be sure the mug is big enough to take all the coffee.

perfect brew, coffee, crema
POSTED ON Saturday, May 30, 2015 - 14:45

365+1 #drawingaday is a digital drawing-a-day project.

I will be reexpressing this project in an open space @HBHQ. This is only the second time that I have shown all 366 drawings. Originally the drawings were installed in a smaller square gallery. This installation will span a number of walls in an open public space. It will be hung chronologically except for a two week grouping at the entrance to the show.

drawingaday installation
POSTED ON Thursday, May 21, 2015 - 20:03

What was on the wall wednesday.

I have begun making sets of panel drawings that can be paired in different ways. This is the start. We'll see just how many I make and how many of them feel successful enough to add to a multipanel presentation.

My process allows each to be independent and I'm open to that always being the case. But the joining of many pieces that have a common criteria but are not made to BE together will make for an interesting result.

Looking forward to continue the drawing and see what develops.

 

four square drawings
POSTED ON Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - 09:22

Yesterday while I was making room to do some drawing on the wall I had to manage some framed work. I have some little niches ouside my studio where we gather and chat so I hung two there. These are from my measurement series on watercolor paper. Stop by and see them.

I really like them by the red chairs.

I just think I need to hang them a tad lower.

green drawings by the red chairs
POSTED ON Sunday, April 19, 2015 - 18:52

Working on these two new panels. Working dark earth. The image isn't the best.

Both drawings following the same rules as the twins before. Two 12 x 12 inch panels one drawing is made on a primed wood surface and the other on mounted watercolor paper. The panels have two tonal profiles. One is a wash the other a sold rich dense hue. The long lines have some very subtle moments due to my value choice. The shorts use a pearlescent ink which makes the texture directional.

These two pieces are hanging on the wall in my studio. Tomorrow I'll see what is next if anything.

long and short dark earth, drawing by Stella Untalan
POSTED ON Sunday, April 12, 2015 - 20:08

Today I worked on this card to determine hue for the ink in my most recent drawings. I use this often when I work with new pigments and materials. I keep the cards sometimes with annotations for reference.

I look at the marks now and again just for the joy of it.

color tests
POSTED ON Sunday, April 12, 2015 - 18:59

I've had to fight for time in the studio lately.

The good news is I'm getting there and I'm making drawings. I have a series of colored squares I have been working on. They can stand alone, work in tandem, or be arranged in groups in multiples of two. These are in a subset series of measurement drawings that are long and short.

This is what was on the wall last wednesday. I've drawn on a third square but I'm not sure that it is finished. I have a feeling that it is done but waiting is good for clarity. I have a studio day on Saturday so I'll be able to reassess. 

the newest of the squares
POSTED ON Sunday, April 12, 2015 - 18:55

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.

the short version green lines
POSTED ON Sunday, March 22, 2015 - 21:48

The earth is so dark right now. Still moist from our most recent melted snow. Applying my dark earth color awakened the smell of the forest floor to me. Dark, covered with pine needles compressed by my boots.

This image shows the application of the dark earth.

adding color to the panel

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