I'm really having fun doing these black & white studies.  After a few pages in my sketchbook, I've come up with a process.

I start by using an "ink blot" technique to provide the first layer.  (This is where you squirt black acrylic ink onto one side of the page and then close the book to repeat a reverse image on the next side of the page, creating a spread).

Then, I'm using stencils with black ink. Then I add collage.  

It's amazing how adding each step in the process informs the next step.  Very freeing and fun!

OK.  I took my own advice and started to paint these grind on large sheets of paper, rather than in my sketchbook.  Just in case I wanted to frame them as works of art.  I'm very happy about how this piece turned out.  

Moving from a sketchbook to a larger format meant a change in scale. My sketchbook boxes were 2" x 2" and this piece is 2-1/2" x 2-1/2 inches.  Overall, the paper is 14 x 17.  A strange size but that's what my Strathmore Bristol paper pad measured.  

I'm trying to use only supplies already in my stash but it's hard.  I'm always wanting to try out new things but know that working in traditional sizes is the best approach because who can afford "custom" anything"!

Next time, I will order a pad in 9" x 12" that will find matting and a frame at an affordable cost.

​Thanks to Jackie Schomburg who was my inspiration for this piece.  I used her color palette and ideas for adding black shapes, but other than that, this piece is my own.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUvQGwOztGY

I am obsessed with painting in a grid format.

This is the third sketchbook that I am filling up with grid mixed media paintings.  Some artists call then "grid journals" but I don't since I don't use words.  The reason I love this format is because it allows me to easily experiment with color palettes, mark-making, collage, and other ways to create little pieces of art.

Each square (which is my favorite format) is only 2 inches.  I don't think about each square but how all the squares interact with each other together.  This gives me freedom not to over-think everything and as my eye roams around the piece, I see where I need more contrast, more marks, and more shapes.  Every square turns out differently, even though I'm using the same paints and mark-making tools.

I think the reason I'm obsessed with this is that I can usually make 2 spreads a day and end up with something pleasing, but different than all the grids that I've done before.  It's kind of like working in a series but since these paintings are enclosed in a sketchbook, hard to display in an exhibit.  

​Maybe I should start making these grids on large pieces of paper so they can be mounted and hung on a wall.  What do you think?