Adeline tangle

Click on the picture to see more detail.

I like things that look complicated. When I saw this I fell in love with it. I had to figure out how to draw it.This tangle was inspired by a design in a Dover book - Architectural Borders, Scrolls, and Cartouches. This is something you might see carved into stone at a church or mansion from the gilded age.

It starts out with slash marks that keep the spacing even and guides you where to start and stop your double S curves. I like to measure out some penciled guidelines to get me started. I keep the pencil lines light so it erases cleanly later. You can  turn the paper so the S flows more naturally.  The second row of double S curves will fit right in like puzzle pieces. Add your little ornaments next. The last line shows how the curled areas are added and details go on the ornamented areas.
I've shown a completed design on top with line-work and shading. I love how it really comes to life.

Please note - YOU DO NOT HAVE TO USE PENCILED LINES OR A RULER. This is a trickier pattern so you may want to practice this a couple of times in your sketchbook. Once you have the hang of it you will be able to just go for it without using a pencil or ruler.

I named it Adeline in honor of my mom. She is gone now but I know she would have been fascinated with zentangles and loved this new tangle I developed. I think it describes both her strength and her appreciation for the workmanship that went into these hand-carved beautys. Like moms everywhere, she encouraged me to develop my talents and broaden my horizons. Thanks mom.