So my Mum came across this technique called Zentangle® and I thought it would be a great thing to look into for my first post.
“Zentangles are miniature pieces of unplanned, abstract, black and white art created through a very specific Method from an ensemble of simple, structured patterns on a 3.5-inch (89 mm) square paper tile.”
Here's a simple outline of the process http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Zentangle
Basically you take a square, split it up by drawing lines in pencil (called a string) then fill within those sections using doodle-like-patterns (tangles). You can then add dimension by shading with pencil (I've started adding colour and using coloured pens but then it's not an official Zentangle!). The technique was developed by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas and their website is here.
There's a set of 'official Zentangle® patterns' but I think it's a good creativity building exercise to try and come up with patterns myself. I've also started a pinterest board of patterns to try out. If you want more guidance on creating patterns Linda Farmer's website has a list of official Zentangle patterns as well as links to tutorials and submissions from people creating their own.
What appeals to me about this process is a finished piece is achievable in a short space of time, so it's something you can do a short burst of in the evening or when you're waiting for appointments etc. It's supposed to be unplanned so there's no pressure to create anything too structured, it's good to be creating away from the computer screen and because it's hand drawn it's never going to be perfectly precise or tidy – well mine aren't anyway!
So here's my first couple of attempts.
And one where I got a bit carried away with colour!
You can also tangle into other shapes – anything deviating from the Zentangle® rules are referred to as 'Zentangle inspired art'. We had a go in a colouring book and this is Bonnie's creation (she's four) – her one was the best!
