I’ve not really ‘done’ a Zentangle before. I’ve dabbled and kind of began drawing one, but begin is as far as it ever got. Words were said, such as: “I can’t quite understand the joy of this…” and …. “.. it’s pretty … but … I’m not sure I’m cut out for it.”. And that’s as far as my venture into this unknown thing got.
So when I was trying to think of something to draw for a daily drawing #InkTober2017 and Zentangling popped into my head, I should have wondered why.
What was I thinking? I know that a Zentangle looks like a quick bit of doodling, but I’m here to tell all those of you who haven’t tried their hand at this form of artwork, that it’s anything but quick. Of course, it would have been a couple of hours shorter had I not began by measuring it out, cutting the right size of paper and got to the drawing of ‘V’ (I’d already drawn and coloured L and O – I didn’t want to lean on any artwork and dirty it, so thought I’d colour it in one letter at a time) … and it was after I began to draw the letter V that a slow dawning realisation came about that although I’d measured out correctly the size of the letters, I’d forgotten to add in the space between the letters which I’d require, so I had to start aaalllll over AGAIN! Grrrr!
To be honest I’m not sure if it’s the planning and sketching out which takes the time, or the then drawing and colouring, but the whole lot adds up to a lot of work. It’s harder than it looks and I now have a new-found respect for anyone who does this as their chosen form of art. Seriously so.
Anyhoo … I didn’t get to post a photo yesterday for Inktober 5th so I’m missing a day, but I’m sure I won’t be expelled for it. So this colourful bit of Zentangled Art is my #InkTober 6th inking.
When I look at it, now that it’s done, I can’t help feeling that maybe this type of Artwork is this modern ages version of Illuminated Manuscript.
I kind of planned it out in pencil before hand, but then added the loops and coils and danglings and curly bits, twirly bits, hearts, dots etc etc, as I inked the words using a Zig Memory System Ink Pen by Kuretake. Everything was drawn out in that pen. From thin to thick lines – all the black you see is that one pen.
All the colour on the other hand comes from ‘Kuretake Clean Color, Real Brush’ Ink Pens. Try as I might I cannot find a better pen than these to colour with ink. They blend so, so beautifully, and with so little effort on my part. And clean up is so easy. If you (for example) use a bright yellow pen against a deep red one and get a dirty brush (nib) you simply do a tiny scribble on a scrap of paper and the pen is clean again. VOILA!
Well … that’s my #InkTober 6th offering which was missing.
Now the observant among you will notice that there was something missing from today. I’ll give the unobservant a clue: Today is Friday.
Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding.
Yup … there was no Friday Post. There is a very good reason for that. A very good reason indeed. And when I think of it I’ll let you know.
No … actually, to be serious. The truth is … [hangs head, looks down at toes and kicks imaginary dirt around with the toe of her shoes] . . . I er, umm … well … it’s like this … . . . . I [cough] … I fell asleep in the chair and when I woke up I went straight to bed and forgot that I had a date with you. I’m sorry. I shall feel guilty for ages about it. Well … for a moment or two anyway. I shall make up for it by inviting you all round for coffee and cakes next week.
Until then …
Have a truly wonderful weekend. May you find something to smile about; find something to do which you enjoy; and …. don’t forget to put your feet up at some stage and just watch what’s going on outside … even if nothing appears to be going on outside. Just keep watching. Something is bound to happen – even if it’s just a bird flying past; a squirrel running up a tree or a cloud floating by.
Sending love ~
The Art of Cobwebs 