Inspirations from 'The Beauty of Zentangle'

     'The Beauty of Zentangle' has now been published. How delightful to have an instant reference to the different styles of zentangle art done by artists from all over the world. Everything is represented in this book. Small, simple tiles which are appealing as little masterpieces or as up close examples of the artist's favorite tangles. I know I have a few tangles which seem to make it into every tangled piece of art I do.

                                  The cover is the truly beautiful work of artist Lorrie Bennett.

     The book is chock full of Zentangle inspired art and objects - everything from household items like lamps and mugs to jewelry, pianos, pottery and tennis shoes. Giving credence to what many tanglers claim, "if it stands still I will tangle on it."

                                                                      One single eye.

     One of my favorite things about Zentangle is how different each person's work is. Even though they use many of the same patterns the drawing style, color choices and intricacy of the work can vary greatly and be applied to so many different forms of art. This book is a real celebration of the beauty of the art of zentangle. 

                                           Color was added with Prismacolor pencils.

     Open 'The Beauty of Zentangle' to any page and you will be inspired to begin creating your own Zentangle Inspired Art (ZIA). Every artist featured began with one stroke and built upon it. They then had the courage to put it out there to share with the world. Their work can serve as a motivator for all of us to just begin.

                  Beginning to look a little like a city from Dr. Seuss, not sure if it is finished yet.
                
     All three of the pieces in this blog post began as simple strings drawn while I was on the phone or watching television, I added a few tangles then put them away. Over days and sometimes weeks I would go back to them and add a few more tangles. My intention is not necessarily to fill the entire page...that always seems a little overwhelming to me. But invariably I get in the flow and before I know it they become almost like little cities, strange creatures or bizarre flowers. Proving what Rick and Maria, the developers of Zentangle, have always said "anything is possible one stroke at a time."

     Thank you to all of the wonderful artists contributing their work to make 'The Beauty of Zentangle' a success, you each made it possible "one stroke at a time."