Lack of Precision

One thing that I really admire about the ZIA other Zentanglers produce is how precisely they draw the patterns. The lines are crisp and clean. Each tangle looks almost identical, as if it had been stamped out rather than drawn freehand. I obviously lack the same precision. Last night, as I was practicing in my sketchbook, I realized why my ZIA looks so sloppy--if I hold my pen tightly I can manage more uniformity in my strokes--the problem is that holding the pen so tightly makes me tense and ultimately defeats my purpose if doing Zentangle in the first place.

I was drawn to this art form not only by the beauty of the work Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts produce, but also by the philosophy behind it.  I can get lost in my doodling. Rick and Maria describe Zentangling as a type of meditative practice. The concept is really simple--draw, "one stroke at a time," in a repetitive manner to create patterns. As you repeat the patterns the mind is allowed to rest--similar to resting the mind through meditation. Don't just take my word for it, check out some of the testimonials on the Zentangle site. Over and over this art form is described as "relaxing," "brings focus," "peaceful," etc. these are the qualities that I find most beneficial in Zentangle.

So please pardon my sloppy lines. As I continue the practice I hope my strokes lose the jerkiness and acquire some flow.

Weekly Challenge #120

This week Laura Harms (a.k.a. The Diva) challenged us to monotangle using Bales and it's variations. I still need to do some shading or coloration, but for now I'll post my ZIA 'as is'. I am glad that she selected 'Bales" it is one of the easier tangle patterns. Some of the others get complicated--I think this pattern is truer to the spirit of Zentangle.

Hopefully posting it at this stage will motivate me to finish it and show you an improved version before the week is out. I am so pleased to have recommitted to the art form that I may even try some other variations and not even post this one in response to the challenge.

UPDATE: I did add some color to this piece, but I think I like the original version best. You can see the updated version here.

Tangle *A*Day Fun

I've dabbled at Zentangle over the past months. I'm not really sure what was holding me back. Then, this past weekend, I tangled for HOURS. I am completely caught up in my tangle*a*day 2013 calendar for Zentangle practice. Thank you Carole Ohl for offering this handy little way to explore and practice tangles.

I still need to work on shading, but other than that I am pleased with how this ZIA turned out. On most of the other entries I've just practiced different patterns. For this one I was watching TV and tangling at the same time and it just spilled out of my pen.

I've been sporadically playing with Laura's weekly challenge for a few months now. This week I think I will be brave enough to actually post something to share with the group. For now I'll just share my practice with the Bales tangle.

Zendela Bookcase?

I saw this on Facebook and just had to share. Do you think the home owner is a Zentangle fan?

This is a screenshot so the URL is not a hotlink. You will need to type it into your browser.

Inconsistent

I must have the attention span of a gnat. Well, maybe not a gnat...that sounds nasty. It is what it is.....Let's go with another analogy....my attention flits from topic to topic much like a butterfly darting from flower to flower. I jump from one interest to another, diving into each with abandon then losing interest when some other beautiful opportunity catches my eye. Often I'll circle back around and revisit one of my favorites. Lately, I've been revisiting Zentangle. It is such a lovely, meditative practice. Over the months I have continued the practice in the margins of notes. Now I want to brush up on some of my favorite tangles, learn some of the new ones other tangles have created over the past months, then once again begin posting my efforts here.

Gosh!

Gosh, has it really been two months since I updated this blog? Shame on me! I haven't felt creative in a while, so maybe that is why. I did not even realize that this dry spell had gone on for so long.  I completed Joanne Sharpe's Letter Love 101 online course. On April 9 she launched her second course Artful Alphabets--of course, I jumped on-board for another chance to learn from Joanne.

Letter Love 101

My latest adventure is participating in Joanne Sharpe's Letter Love 101 online course. I've taken a lot of online courses over the years and this is BY FAR the best one. Each day Joanne posts a new lesson in which she generously shares her talent, techniques and tip on lettering, art journaling and doodling. In addition to the class blog there is a lot of interaction with everyone else via private groups on Facebook, Yahoo and Flicker. Over the days and weeks to come I'll share some of what I am creating thanks to this AWESOME course.

Recent Doodles

 I told you that I've been playing with Zentangles...I just haven't shared anything with you in a while. Here are a few of my recent doodles.

You like me, you really like me!

I really don't pay much attention to the page view counter, but I could not help but notice that this blog is quickly approaching the 10,000 page views milestone. WOW!

I don't post as often as I think about it because frankly, it seems like I am talking to myself. You are quiet dear friend, but as evidenced by the page views, you are here and for some reason you keep coming back. For that, I thank you! As we turn over the page view counter from four to five digits I pledge to do my best to be more consistent with my posts. I invite you to comment freely.

With deep appreciation!

Beth

Congratulations Laura!

In case you haven't heard the good news. Zentangle Diva, and all around cool chick, Laura Harms has an awesome blog that is nominated for an award. Not just any award, but for having the Most Fascinating Blog of 2011 in the Teaching Category. Surf on over to her blog to check it out and also take a moment to cast your vote. In addition to being a wonderful Mom, gifted artist, and fascinating blogger, Laura creates the weekly Zentangle challenge that I often participate in and occasionally post here on my blog. This week's challenge, #54 in the series, is to incorporate purple into the design. Since purple is my favorite color I'm definitely participating in this one and in honor of Laura's nomination I even promise to take a few pics and share what I do with you. Good luck Laura and Congratulations!

Heartbreak

Saturday night the New Orleans Saints lost their bid for another chance at the Superbowl. They ended up on the wrong side of a nail-biter. While the loss brings disappointment, it is difficult to be sad after watching such an exciting game. I'll watch the remainder of the playoffs, but now my sights are on February 3, 2013 and watching the Saints play IN the Superbowl game that will be played IN the New Orleans Superdome. You've got to believe!

Back to the dentist

Sunday afternoon, while enjoying a sweet, sticky and tasty treat that I had no business eating in the first place, an old crown came off of a tooth. My dentist was able to see me Tuesday afternoon and I left sporting a temporary crown that was supposed to sustain me the two weeks until a permanent crown could be constructed. Lat night the temporary crown popped off. This time I was being good. Having just finished a modest meal of lima beans, I was enjoying a small handful of dark chocolate covered raisins. I am befuddled to understand how a lowly raisin loosened a crown, so I surmise that the problem is the result of substandard dental cement that was intended to hold the prostheses in place. I am tempted to launch into a diatribe about the deterioration of society evidenced by inferior products and services--no worries, I've decided to refrain. Instead I will cling to optimism.

Happy Wednesday

My 50th Year

In December I marked my 50th birthday. Contrary to the stereotypical "Over the Hill" outlook that some people adopt at this life juncture, I have embraced my 50th year with gusto. I am full of excitement and expectation as I anticipate the wonderful opportunities and adventures that will present themselves to me over the coming months. I was reminded tonight that my greatest accomplishments are ahead of me. I am so blessed. I look forward to sharing what unfolds.

Welcome 2012!

Greetings my friends. I hope that your 2012 is off to a great start. I've spent today relaxing, doodling and sipping a few cups of my warm vanilla cream concoction that I told you about in my last post. I have not set any resolutions this year. Somehow the pressure gets to me and I invariably fall short. Instead, this year, I have made the decision to be more disciplined in several areas of my life--that includes sharing my art with you. Here are a few pieces that I finished over the past few months. Nothing particularly special or inspiring. I think the two with the triangle strings were my efforts to respond to a weekly challenge. Bottom line...even though I have been out of touch, all is well. Life is good.

Other news, you know what a Saints football fan that I am. They one their first playoff game of the season in a battle against the Detroit Lions last night. I say battle, but they only seemed to have to dig in and fight during the first half. The Saints blew them off the field during the second half. Ahhh, what a sweet win. Next week the Saints are on the road and will face the 49-ers. I can hardly wait. Until next week, PEACE.