I was successful in my application for the studio of my choice. Some confusion as to the numbering but F8 it is! I am to be exhibiting alongside Deirdre and Anna, both of whom have some fantastic work and I am looking forward to putting the studio together.

The bit of the studio I have been allocated is a wee bit different to that I had proposed for. I have lost one window but gained a substantial bit of wall. On a visit to the studio recently, once on my own - then a follow-up with the tutor John, I have reconsidered my options. It will be a case of trial and error however and the goal continues to be to create enough work so that I can try different permutations out in the space and see what best fits. I am also interested in seeing how my work sits with that of Deirdre and Anna. Deirdre's work will comprise drawings and physical pieces sitting in the window and on the floor. Anna's work such as I have seen is very delicate repeat stitching on canvas. The good light quality of the room will set off the sparkle of the stitches really well.

I have ordered more wood from Max, triangles 60 cm by 90 cm, all ten of them. He has to get a delivery of wood and also has to get his saw fixed which I fear will not be too soon. So in the period of waiting I can attend to sorting out publications and keeping my website up to date. 

I have planned on three Albelli books. One for the Andrew Grant Corridor exhibition, a second one detailing research and development for the year and a third on the use of project spaces in university. The first of these is completed and the order placed. The other two are drafted awaiting the project space I have lined up on Tuesday 1st April. I will not have the new work done by that time but I should have enough new work to document and add. This includes three triptychs, loosely titled Tonal Paintings, Large Squares and Large Triangles. I think I need to come up with something a little bit more considered...

I have stopped using the extender in the paint, opting instead to mix the acrylic paint with B & Q's own brand of primer. When left to sit for a while, the mix becomes rich and creamy and provides a good cover. Moreover, it allows me to be flexible with my mixing. As I am going for tonal variations, sometimes it is enough just to layer the paint with sanded down surfaces in between. For some colours however, it is more successful to vary the mix.

I referred to the knowledgeable Trish for advice on what to use to seal some parts of the painting. She recommended Acrylic medium. You can get gloss or matt and it is a simple case of brushing it on. Obviously it dries very quickly. This I have yet to try.

Overall I am becoming proficient with the techniques I need to hone in order to get a really good finish. Patience is in short supply as yet and even with trying to spread the load round a number of paintings it is a waiting game. 

I have changed from painting on MDF to Ply which is lighter and has a lovely grain. As unpainted wood has now become a feature of the paintings this is an important consideration.

Currently I am finishing the edges of earlier paintings. I am splitting the edge between equal measures of painted surface and varnish. I am using yacht varnish - the same material as being used in the voids on the large triangular paintings. This takes a good while to dry but gives a lovely rich sheen.

I also need to look into different materials to use to sand down to a smooth finish. Especially for the varnish. I will ask John when I next see him.

We were asked to submit a proposal for the location of our own degree show exhibition. Andrea and I had gone round to have a look. Andrea had been recommended the Sculpture Court balcony by her tutor so there was fairly specific measurements to be taken there. As for me I knew I was looking for a space which would allow maximum light to fall on the paintings and a good smooth finish to the walls so not to distract from the surface areas of the paintings themselves.

The project ran in school over four lessons. Callum had asked me to make a presentation to the group comprising the artworks selected from the Collection and also my own work. I prepared it so to highlight how maths and art could use the same language such as line, scale and geometric terms. The group engaged with it well.

By and large sufficient material was generated for inclusion in the exhibition. We have collages, photos and also the sculptures for display.

Friday is the day for taking all the material we have into Moray House to assemble it for display. The information boards are already underway and the ones that I have seen which includes the Maths one looks very good.