Monday, January 28, 2013

Weekly Challenge #104: String Theory v. XXIII - TanglePatterns String #03"

I'm so glad to get back to the weekly challenge! I took a little time off because I've been busy... then I was having such a good time with the flu that I couldn't be bothered... and once I recovered from that, I went on a sewing/tangling retreat in Missouri. I frequently post Zentangle-related things that are short/small/not really blogworthy on my facebook page, so please feel free to drop in over there to see what I've been doing to avoid the things I *should* be doing.

Now and then the Diva issues a weekly challenge that involves using a particular string, which is the pencil outline that goes down first on the tile and gives a tangle its basic structure. Strings are merely guidelines; they don't have to be followed exactly, but they're essential to the Zentangle method. Drawing a tangle without a string is like trying to balance on a bike that's standing still. With a micron pen balanced on your nose. And a goldfish balanced on that. You get the point.

This week, participants in the challenge are using this string in their tile.




This is a sun I drew last week using Inktense watercolor pencils and a Copic Multiliner on Aquabord. I liked working on Aquabord, but it's really toothy and I'm hoping there is a smoother version of it out there. Gradients and larger fields of color were tricky for me on this. I want to try Tombow watercolor markers on it, but I'm pretty sure it will chew them up. My Multiliner is permanently out of commission, and it was new. I think I mostly liked the Aquabord because it's so... unbendy. Any suggestions? 





Have a good week! 
And also, please... no matter how tempted you are, don't get the flu. There are much better ways to get ice cream.


Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Weekly Challenge #100: "DivaDance"

Maria Thomas, one of the two founders of Zentangle, let fly a new tangle pattern called 'divadance' in honor of the Diva's 100th challenge. I really like this pattern and am looking forward to spending some quality time with the rock & roll variation. You can see the original post here.


I hereby present to you my very whiskery tile... it's so hard to stop once I get going with those little wispy things. Kinda looks like a bunch of bugs are playing hide-and-seek, doesn't it. :oD

Have a wonderful week, and happy new year!