Zentangle is...

The Zentangle® Method, created by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts, is an easy to learn, fun and relaxing way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Diva's Weekly Challenge #293 and "zen" some!

This week the Diva asked us to use an oldie but goodie: Keeko. I probably should have done more with it, but, in the end, decided to use it sparingly as the base for a tree, as deconstructed by Helen Bradley.


Here are some other entries from my sketch book this week. (Although my blog policy is transparency, I'll refrain from posting the other 2 entries, which would not contribute anything good to anyone ;) Maybe once I have "worked through" them, you'll get a look. But for now, they have issues that need some resolution!!!)


Thanks to my beloved for supplying this Phil Ochs quote: "In such an  ugly time, the true protest is beauty."


This was inspired by one of Maria's posts on the Mosaic app, where she was "playing" with fractals and Paradox and Betweed. (If you don't have the app, I highly recommend it. I treasure her descriptions of her creative process, which she generously shares with us. Her writing pen creates as much magic as her drawing pen!!!)

My question for you this week: How do you know when a tile is complete? How do you know when to stop? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for visiting. Have a peaceful, harmonious week.








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28 comments:

  1. trudiNovember 14, 2016 at 3:58 PM

    I never know when something is finished, it is so hard IMO when you are doing art. I always look at it and think I could just add one more thing....When I did water colours I often ruined some as I just couldn't stop! When I took up Zentangles I thought I needed to FILL the page. I've lately been allowing myself to have some actual White spaces occasionally. Sometimes I have to walk away and come back or I'll just keep going. When I've given myself a bit of time and I come back if it looks OK then I try and refrain from adding 'just one more thing's.

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    1. Jennifer SparrowNovember 19, 2016 at 3:14 PM

      Thank you, Trudi! I know what you mean about not being able to stop! (It's just so much fun!) I tell my students to let a tile "breathe" by leaving some white space. I try to remember this, too!

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  2. DEMenNovember 14, 2016 at 4:27 PM

    Lovely tiles and a great quote. Hmmmm...when is a tile done? Sometimes, when I feel like I'm nearly done I will set it aside for a bit and then look at if with fresh eyes. I like a fair amount of white space so I probably err on the stopping too soon side of things though!

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    1. Jennifer SparrowNovember 19, 2016 at 3:22 PM

      I agree about sometimes stopping to soon. Sometimes I really have to challenge myself to keep on going! Call me a minimalist!

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  3. ria matheussenNovember 15, 2016 at 1:33 AM

    I agree with Dorita, when you feel your tile will be finished soon, it is better to set aside then trying to go on and go on. Sometimes I did something wrong, so it is definitely better to stop and wait and look agoin later.
    Thanks for the nice quote and I like your tree very much!

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    1. Jennifer SparrowNovember 19, 2016 at 3:27 PM

      Thank you, Ria! I loved your entry this week: the colors, the composition, the choice of tangles and the depth in Keeko. I don't think my post went through on your blog, so I'm hoping you'll see it here!

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    2. ria matheussenNovember 20, 2016 at 2:07 PM

      Thank you very much for your kind words. I received your comment on november the 20th and I 'm glad you like my tile.

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  4. Karen LynnNovember 15, 2016 at 7:23 AM

    I love the stark simplicity of your keeko tile. Very effective.

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  5. CarmelaNovember 16, 2016 at 2:00 PM

    All of theme are beautiful and I love Zendala's

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  6. Anne's tangle blogNovember 16, 2016 at 11:01 PM

    I like all three tiles, but the last one is stunning!!!! And ... I like the quote!

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  7. jeanchaneyazNovember 17, 2016 at 9:25 AM

    The minimalist look of the first tile is striking, and the last one is so beautifully done! Nice work using the quote too.

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  8. AnonymousNovember 17, 2016 at 11:46 AM

    Love that last one, but all pretty. Not sure about what I do, to know if it's done. Sometimes I just know. Other times I put the tile across the room from where I sit and ponder whether it is done. Sometimes it is and other times I can see something that I need to fix. Usually it comes down to what was the theme in a watercolor class that I once took. The quote that teacher used to always use and had posted on her wall was, "It's the values stupid." Usually that fix involves my values when I am not liking a tile.

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  9. Pat MathesNovember 17, 2016 at 12:00 PM

    Beautiful tiles.

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  10. Simone MenzelNovember 17, 2016 at 1:17 PM

    Hi Jennifer, what fantasic tiles you made! I love your tree on Keeko - so simple and elegant. When I saw your third tile I had to smile!! I have also been inspired by Marais tile and also played in a similar style. It is so relaxing, isn`t it?

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    1. Jennifer SparrowNovember 20, 2016 at 7:08 AM

      And I had the same reaction when I saw your amazing Opus in blue! I love it when I see waves of common thought in our community!

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  11. Michele WynneNovember 18, 2016 at 8:17 AM

    Beautiful work! They're all so different. I look for balance when trying to determine whether I'm done.

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    1. Jennifer SparrowNovember 20, 2016 at 7:16 AM

      Thanks, Michele! I will add "balance" to "values", as suggested by 1 Art Lady Kate!

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  12. Michele WynneNovember 18, 2016 at 8:18 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  13. MaggibeeNovember 18, 2016 at 11:47 PM

    My answer is not very helpful, I'm afraid. Sometimes I know when a tile is finished and sometimes I'm not so sure. But I do revisit now and then and find that I suddenly know just what to do. So don't throw them away, there is still hope!

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  14. Annette P.-L. November 19, 2016 at 7:33 AM

    All are lovely! I like your tree with Keeko ... wonderful simplicity. And I do love the third one ... it´s fantastic!
    Referring you question I agree with Dorita.

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  15. CarmelaNovember 20, 2016 at 4:45 AM

    Wauw, beautiful work alsof theme. But the zendala with betreed and paradox stole my heart. Lovely

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I appreciate your comments and suggestions!

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