This post is sort of a 'Before and After'.
It includes a Zentangle I did yesterday and a tangle I did back in 2010 - shortly after I discovered Zentangle. I used the tangle I did back in 2010 as an inspiration for the new tile. It has a similar string and similar tangles. But I found ways I could improve on it and use some of the skills I learned since then.
Since it is my own work, I don't have to be polite. I can - and will critique the heck out of it.
The tangle from 2010 was done on the back of a flimsy index card. I know now to use quality, archival materials. I now use quality paper and pens that will not fade over time. Thankfully, this piece was in a binder, so it wasn't exposed to sunlight.
I had learned a few of the tangles back then as I surfed the web. Some of them you will recognize, and some - I have no idea where they came from! I like that there are so many tangles that have step-outs online so I can really expand my selections. I tried to use the same tangles I used in 2010 but some I had to revise.
I was able to create a string within a circle. I used a circle template to draw the circle with my pen. I don't do that anymore. It looks almost machine made and doesn't have the handmade look that I value. Now I draw a circle in pencil first and then use my pen freehand. The string is OK but has so many tiny sections that created problems for me.
As I drew my piece in 2010, I tried so hard to get tangles into all the tiny places within the string that I ended up drawing the tangles tight and small. If you look at the new piece on top, you can see that I took the tangle patterns and drew them bigger. When I had the freedom to draw bigger, some of the 'tightness' disappeared.
The 2010 piece doesn't have any shading. I didn't understand that back then but now it's my favorite part of the process. My new piece also uses highlights since it's done on a Renaissance tile. That's something that didn't even exist back in 2010. I really like how it expands the piece and gives it depth.
I invite any of you who have been tangling for a while (even if only for a couple of months) to revisit one of your early tiles and redo it!
What a difference! The second one is really beautiful, that gives me hope for the future. Thank you very mutch!
ReplyDeleteWOW Sue - I admire your art and this gives hope that practice really does change things. beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYes Sue, we have learnt so much since 2010 especially in regards to shading and highlights, love your delicate touch.
ReplyDeleteCool! Your first tile is about a month before mine. And we met a few months later. Love your style. Your "before" tile reminds me so much of my "before" tile.
ReplyDeleteWow, I am amazed that you did a Zendala for one of your first attempts. I looks really good although of course experience gives you a whole other set of tools and the remake Zendala is a wonderful improvement.
ReplyDeleteIt's the light that brings your recent tile so magically to life. I love it.
ReplyDeleteSo much difference, so much growth!
ReplyDeletevery cool. I think my favorite thing is, the elegance that comes with simplicity, in your second piece. And of course, the toned tile and highlights...that makes everything so much better. Delicious!
ReplyDeleteI like your use of colour and how you have shaded using those colours. I agree with how renaissance tiles lend themselves to adding highlights.
ReplyDeleteAm looking forward to where you are now in six years! :)
ReplyDeleteLovely work Sue, I love your critique and insights. My how you have grown. I agree with the natural feel of a hand drawn circle it's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful comparison -- your tiles and your words of how your practice has changed!
ReplyDeleteYour current style shows such life and confidence in it. It is a wonderful piece and your before piece was the perfect inspiration for you. I love seeing how people have grown and relaxed with Zentangle. This challenge was certainly an eye opener for many of us! Thank you for sharing.
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