My First (and Maybe Only) Zentangle
I watched Kass Hall's webinar last week to learn more about the zentangles that I see on some blogs. I was immediately curious about an art technique that required "certified teachers." So I searched out the originators of this process to learn more.
I've already confessed that I'm not much of a doodler, and take a doodle notebook with me each week when I visit my elderly Mother so I can try more playful drawings - including lots of one-liners - when we are sitting having coffee and talking for an hour.
In my research I discovered that zentangles are drawn on 3 1/2 by 3 1/2 ' tiles, using a "string" or random set of pencil lines to divide the area, and that there is a growing collection of patterns used. I tried some of the patterns as part of my usual "learn it by myself" strategy. And then I suspended my judgement, and with the Olympics in the background did my first zentangle. Serious tanglers are going to recognize the patterns I copied.
I'm going to have to wait to see if my brain and drawing hand returns to these patterns as part of my doodles.
Comments
You did very good on your first one. But I really don't care for them. I see nothing in them myself, but there are a lot of people who love to do them.
Posted by: Donn | July 30, 2012 9:15 PM
Briefly Crossed over to the other side I see.
Posted by: Patricia | July 30, 2012 10:12 PM
Fantastic, Shirley!
Oh, Zentangling is fun! I first met Maria and Rick through my calligraphy studies and membership in IAMPETH an international pen arts organization. While there are "rules" to ZT, they are all for breaking too! LOL! While I have fun trying new tangles as they come out of the zentangle.com site newsletter etc. I also, love to just set out and not have a plan and see what happens with random strings! It is very restful and meditative!
Enjoy! Love you first tangle!
Elsie
Posted by: Elsie Hickey Wilson | July 30, 2012 11:25 PM
Well, you did it! You do so well at other sketches. Only you can decide which direction to go.
Posted by: Sandra Torguson | July 31, 2012 2:32 PM
i think it's a fun zentangle!!
i tried some - even bought a book! - but decided it gave me too much of a headache - all those intricate patterns!!
i confess i prefer a looser style :)
Posted by: Claire | August 1, 2012 9:19 AM
Gorgeous Zen Shirley :)
Posted by: Alex Tan | August 2, 2012 7:59 AM