500 Tangled Artworks by Beckah Krahula

A Showcase of Inspired Illustrated Designs 

Synopsis 
Become inspired by this vast collection of meditative drawing tiles known as tangles! 500 Tangled Art Works, curated by Beckah Krahula, author of the bestselling book, One Zentangle a Day, is the first book to feature a large and wide-ranging collection of exciting, beautiful, and experimental drawings. 

Tangles, a one to four stroke repetitive pattern used in a meditative art form called Zentangle(TM), are showing up all over the world in drawings, paintings, and many forms of mixed media art. With an introduction and history of this zen art form, 500 Tangled Art Works shares basic techniques, and features a cutting edge collection of the latest and greatest drawing from this contemporary movement. 

After seeing this amazing assortment of art, it will be easier than ever to start tangling on your own!


Reactions

To be honest, after reading and flipping the pages, I still don't know the difference between a Zentangle and a Mandala. :-(

It's a little bit obscure and this book hasn't helped me to discover the truth behind these doodles used for meditation.
They both look alike, when in a spheric form. They use abstract drawings in repetitive strokes. They help you both to focus and increase your creativity.

Probably not the point, because the book is essentially composed of pictures of tangles. But it would have been great to have a little more explanation about it...

Of course, the photos are cool and brought some calm when you turn the pages. It has even given me some desire to draw. Since these tangles look a lot like the ones, I'm spontaneously doing while I'm on the phone or in a meeting where I'm bored! :-))

So I guess, this book will be perfect, if you are into this kind of repetitive patterns to help you empty your mind after a long day while using a pen or a sharpie.

However, I would have loved some more words to accompany the pictures.

Quote

"Zentangle is not an art form for the masses. It is an art form by the masses."

Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts

Hole in Felt Pen

3D Hole

Earlier this week, I've watched a video about 3D technique.
Wanted to try it. This hole in inspired from the video I've watched and then, I've created the road.

Wanted to have a realistic feeling without using my usual HB or 3B pencils. Since I'm never drawing with felt pen, it was the perfect opportunity to challenge myself. :-)

Still a lot of work on the road but I kinda like the result.

Watercolor of Moorea A4

Sea
Clouds and water texture have always made me curious. Still trying to work on a realistic way to draw it in black and white but last week-end I was in the mood for watercolor.

They are mistakes and I'm lacking of fluidity but I'm still happy with the outcome. Especially for a first try at landscape in a medium I'm not used to.

I was also trying to work on perspective.

Ballpoint pen

Ballpoint pen freedom

I enjoy using charcoal for the easiness with which you can use the stick. But I've discovered a new form of freedom with my ballpoint pen.

You don't have a safety net, no eraser, just you and your drawing. It's a very enlightening way of drawing. If your pen is a good one, it will slide on the paper.

Really like the feeling!

Sad day for the press and the freedom of speech

#JeSuisCharlie

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wish you all to be happy in you art and in your life!

Watercolor pencils

I'm not really at ease with colors since I like to draw in black and white. But I've decided to try new things and challenge myself in 2015.
Seems like I've started in advance… lol!

Blending colors are not so easy. If I can mess up with the lines and have a correct result with the eyes...

I'm much more in difficulty when I need to add texture and relief to my object.
It's the case with the cup of tea. It's flat. Need to work on the light, the shadows and understand how to do it.

This cup was my first attempt. Not good but it was fun to try.

I've also try different technique to use the watercolor pencils. First by drawing and adding water. Then, by adding water and applying the pencil on it.

I've also seen a tutorial on Youtube were you using a scalpel to have small amount of pigments. It's for the sky when you already have painted the scenery…just to add a light color to the background.

Of course, I've wanted to try it but with green colors…
Jeez! Can't seem to be able to follow a single rule!

I was playing with ink and a card to create a realistic birch…Messed up all my trees outcome by adding the green…

He he he! Really need to practice and stop playing around!

Now, you know where to find me for the next couples of days… Buried under papers, water and pencils…Cursing!