Even the Leaves Dance

It really does seem as though everything I've been doing in the last couple of years is somehow synthesizing in my art right now. These pieces are truly mixed media--this one has collage, paint, pencil, pastels, watercolos, and colored pencils--and is totally intuitive in that I start by writing a phrase (either from my head or from some of my found poetry) and then just start putting paint and collage materials together--No plan or pre-sketching. I'm including more of my own drawings, and adding not only physical texture (torn and braille paper) but also drawn texture with some zentangle-inspired patterns...

Feels like things are really coming together...

Zentangles and Hundertwasser

More connections...

And More Zentangles

More Zentangles

Some More Zentangles!

Here are a few of the other Zentangles I've done. This last one was created by ten-year-old Jenny:

Zentangles--The Basic Basics

Step 1: Draw a random outline (aka 'string') in pencil.

Step 2: Sketch in a rough grid in one of the sections outlined by the 'string'.

Step 3: Fill in the grid with some design or pattern.

The book I recommended yesterday is wonderful, although you don't necessarily need a book. There are plenty of websites--Some of the best sites I've found are here, here, and here.

I think one of the best things about Zentangles is their size. The 'standard' size for a Zentangle is 3.5" by 3.5" for the paper--considering the border, that means each zentangle fits in a roughly 3' square! (I make my paper 4" by 4" so that I can frame them in some 4" square frames I have). This diminutive size makes them quick to complete, which is wonderful, and easy to carry around with you, which is even better! 

My Zentangle "kit"

Zentangles

Started doing these little (3.5" by 3.5") pieces a couple of weeks ago after picking up the book Totally Tangled by Sandy Steen Bartholomew. They are fun--relaxing, even, and easy to do while watching TV or sitting around in the evening.

I've cut 4" square pieces of smooth cardstock and keep them in an empty CD case. Beyond that, all I need is a pencil and a fine black marker!