journal

POSTED ON Sunday, August 2, 2015 - 08:23

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.

A cuppa joe at Menagerie
POSTED ON Monday, July 27, 2015 - 09:50

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.

Fabriano paper selection at Artist and Craftsman in Philadelphia
POSTED ON Sunday, July 19, 2015 - 20:45

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.

A drawing by Stella Untalan in a computation book with ink three lines
POSTED ON Sunday, July 19, 2015 - 12:30

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.

filling a page with lines in stella untalan's studio
POSTED ON Saturday, July 11, 2015 - 02:55

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.

Three plein air ocean drawings on paper by Stella Untalan.
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

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