Here is a fun ZIA (Zentangle Inspired Art) with a colorful frog amongst a forest of organic tangles. Zentangle® is an easy to learn method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. It is fun and provides a lighthearted way of relaxing, while shifting focus and perspective. Zentangle was created by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts.
Here is a close up of the frog and mushroom. It was drawn using Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen. It has permanent ink and the tiny brush point gives you a wonderful varied line. Look closely at the mushroom gills to see how they go from thick to thin in a single stroke. I then colored with the Dual Brush Pens, to give him bright, blended hues. The Dual Brush Pens blend out beautifully with water to give a watercolor appearance.
The tangles (Zentangle patterns) were drawn with the Mono Twin Permanent Black Pen that gives you a fine point on one end and a larger fine tip on the other. I used ‘organic’ tangles, patterns that look like they are growing. Each tangle in Zentangle is stepped out so even beginners can be successful with this method. I used Tombow Drawing Pencils for the shading of the tangles. Shading using different grades of quality pencils makes this challenging enhancer done with confidence and success!
Want to learn more about adding color to your tangled works? I was honored to write and illustrate the first ZIA book on coloring tangles, “Time to Tangle with Colors” featuring the Dual Brush Pens. This shows the brand new cover for the book!
Very cool! I have some of the beginning zentangle books (1, 2, 3…) but would love to see this one that you illustrated! Awesome work of art. Thanks for sharing.
Katie B.
Gorgeous as always Marie! This would be a wonderful TU class! Maybe in Santa Fe? I loved your class and your make and take at TU this year. Thanks for inspiring me.