Setting up 18 studios, Long Eaton, Nottingham

My drawing is going well. I am using different black inks on primed paper. Ink is a very direct medium and I enjoy the challenge. As I have only 2 weeks to make the drawing I have to be decisive and clear about the marks. I never plan and the work evolves, surprising me as much as anyone else. The biggest issue has been the visitor numbers. When it has rained I’ve blamed the weather and when the sun shines I blame the weather. The truth is the tramworks directly outside the university make access very difficult. When completed the new tramline will create a fantastic link to the city centre but at the moment it’s pants. I am lucky I’ve had lots of support from friends who have seen the work progress. Maggy has also taken some great installation photos and I’ve had some lovely tea breaks. The staff have also been encouraging and the cleaners have been in raptures. Tomorrow will be day 8 and I will either finish on Friday… or maybe Saturday if I need more time.

Today was the first day of my short residency at the Angears Centre, Lakeside. I am making a 2m drawing in ink on primed paper. I’ve made bigger drawings and I’ve primed paper on a large scale but never this big. Todays effort isn’t great but hopefully it will be better tomorrow when it’s dry. The staff have been helpful and friendly but there has been an absence of visitors. Unfortunately, the timing for my show has coincided major roadworks outside the lakeside for the new tramline.