"Flurry"

"Flurry" 8x6 oil

"Abandoned Orchard"

Just finished a few minutes ago...

"Abandoned Orchard" 20x16 acrylic

 

Binge Drawing

I'm never quite sure when this condition will hit me or how long it will last. The pages of my sketchbooks fill almost magically and drawings pop up in other places as well (invoices, book pages, table clothes, frosted car windows!). There are periods of complete tunnel vision when the only thing that seems to snap me out of it is the phone ringing or Otis whining at the door because he needs to go out and pee! Then I realize hours have passed. I am hungry, my throat is dry, and my hands are covered in graphite. I am tired but happy, my list of chores for the day have gone unfinished, and I want to take a nap.
Binge drawing is not always productive in terms of finished/saleable art, but it's NEVER a waste of time. I always learn from these mad sessions. It makes me think without trying to think. It makes me see things as they are rather than relying on preconceived (and usually inaccurate) notions.
This current binge is a good one! It's been a couple of weeks now and shows little sign of letting up. I sure hope Otis understands!

 

 

"Quizzical" 6x4 acrylic

I love the way this lady cardinal cocked her head to the side. She certainly has some personality. It's good to stay fresh doing these occasional minis while I'm pushing larger paintings forward.