The first six works in the series are based on Barney¡¯s performances and drawings, created while some parts of his body were under restraints. In DRAWING RESTRAINT 1 and DRAWING RESTRAINT 2, Barney drew running up an incline while strapped with an elastic band.
In DRAWING RESTRAINT 3, he lifted a barbell cast in wax and petroleum jelly. The chalk powder covering the grip fell and documented the act as drawings. In DRAWING RESTRAINT 4, he attempted drawing by means of the blocking sled used by athletes to strengthen leg muscles. The artist attached drawing tools on the bottom of the sled and tried, while wearing women¡¯s clothing and a wig, to push the long board with his legs.
DRAWING RESTRAINT 5 is the only work in the series performed in front of a live audience. After leaving three traces on a wall with a skeet thrower, Barney attempts to draw a diagram of the path of creativity with his thighs strapped to an elastic band.