Working on a New Series: A Peek into my Studio Notebook

I'm currently working on a new series about motherhood.  I'm in the preparatory stages of the series.  I've been drawing, thinking, planning, and experimenting.  Most of what I've made are little scribbles and copious notes.  But I have worked on a few more composed pieces and I thought I'd share those with you today.  These are acrylic paintings.  Most also include collage. As you know, I generally make all of my own collage papers.  And some of the pieces also include some pencil/crayon additions.  Take a peek:

You can watch this short process video to see the last two pieces come together:

Monthly members have access to the real time version of this video in the online classroom.  If you're not a member, I hope you'll consider joining.

So how will I use these sketchbook artworks to help inform my later work?  Personally, I don't usually copy straight out of my studio notebook.  Instead, I use what I learned to create the new artwork.  I look through my sketchbook and I ask myself questions.

• What do I like and why?
• What do I not like and why?
• What would make this better?
• What common strands do I see across the work?
• What skills  do I need to work on?

After a period of making and thinking and questioning and making, I usually feel ready to start in on larger work.

I have a few favorites among the bunch.  How about you?  Which of these pieces speaks to you? I'd love to know!

Thanks for stopping by!