Category: Tangle Techniques

Inktober in review

Inktober was started in 2009 by Jake Robinson as a way to improve inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. The idea is to make a commitment to do an ink drawing every day in the month of October and then post it online. For the last couple of years the tangling community has embraced Inktober and this year I participated using the prompts by Stephanie Jennifer on the Square One Purely Zentangle Facebook page. Inktober is over but was a great fun. I found it a good exercise to go back and look at what I accomplished during the month and I’ve made a video of my Inktober tiles to share with you.

A couple of these tiles were variations of the original tangle step outs and there was some interest to see how I drew them. It turned out that both the tiles started with 6 lines either crossed or as a hexagon. Here are the 2 tiles and some step outs I created after the fact to re-create how they were drawn. Please feel free to give these a try yourself.

The focus tangle on the first tile I want to share is Hamadox by CZT Diana Schreur. It is a combination of the Tangles Hamail by Tina Hunziker and Paradox by Rick Roberts.

Here’s how Diana combines the two tangles into Hamadox.

Step 1 is to draw the square
Step 2 is to draw shapes in Hamail fashion around the outer edges of the square
Step 3 is to draw Paradox in the interior of the square and add rounding so it matches up with the curve of the outer shapes
Step 4 is to add rounding around the perimeter to blend it all together

I wondered what it would look like if I started with a hexagon instead of a square? The result intensified the spiraling and overlap effect of the tangle. I find it very pleasing.

Following are the steps for my version.

Start by drawing a hexagon shape. Next, begin adding the shapes around the outer perimeter.

Continue adding shapes along each side, gradually reducing the size in Hamail fashion.

Now start adding the paradox to the interior of the hexagon using the same steps as if you were drawing in a triangle or square, starting from the outside and working toward the center. Hint: adding the rounding to each row as you finish it will help you keep track of where you are.

Continue to the center. Note: on my Inktober tile I added an orb in the center instead of continuing the Paradox to the very center. I would recommend this because it is much harder to keep track of where you are the closer you get to the center. The orb allows you to finish off the Paradox before things get too small.

Finish by adding rounding to the outer perimeter. This combines the outer and inner sections together into the completed shape. Add shading as desired.

The other tile I want to share uses Cross-Ur-Heart by Jenna Black as the focus tangle. Here’s how Jenna draws her tangle.

Step 1 – draw crossed lines
Step 2 – connect the ends to form 4 heart shapes
Step 3 – add “petal” shapes around the outside
Step 4 – add contour lines to the hearts and petals

I wondered what if I added another line and made all the lines curved instead of straight? The result gave the drawing a sense of movement and life.

Here are the steps I took to create this tile.

Step 1 – I added an additional line to the crossed lines creating 6 sections instead of just 4. I also added a curve instead of making them straight.
Step 2 – Same as in original step out, connect the lines to create hearts. I ended up with 6.
Step 3 – I added orbs with petals around them only to the intersections of the hearts. I added a looped shape from the center point of each heart up to the outer point to add a little interest and to create a reference for adding the contour lines.
Step 4 – To finish I added the contour lines, embellished the outer petals and added shading.

I love the way making a minor change to the basic step outs on both of these tiles created a whole new look for each of these tangles. Please feel free to try out my “What If” ideas or better yet try out some “What If” ideas of your own.

Blessings,

Lynn

The Golden Spiral

Did you miss me? I know my tangler’s mind hasn’t shared much so far this year, but all I can say is life happens, and once you get out of the habit of posting, it’s hard to start up again. Anyway, here I am, and I’m excited to have something brilliant to share with you.

Around the middle of June this year, Pilar Pulido, a CZT from Madrid, Spain, contacted me. She was developing a class that was to be presented at the European CZT Gathering in September and wanted to know if I’d like to collaborate with her. The class she proposed appealed to my tangler’s mind, so of course, I said yes, and our trans-Atlantic collaboration began (me in Monroe, WA, U.S.A, and Pilar in Madrid, Spain). Pilar had an idea to use math to describe tangle strings, and we decided to focus on Fibonacci numbers and the Golden Ratio.

It was great fun to collaborate with another CZT nine time zones away. At first, we just emailed. Then we switched to Messenger and DropBox. Finally, towards the end, we made calls over the internet. We just had to remember to schedule meetings when the time was convenient for both of us. In the end, we were both really happy with the class and Pilar presented it last month at the European CZT Gathering in Cork, Ireland where it was well received.

Here are some highlights:


Pilar teaching the class in Cork

class mosaic and samples

After the great response to this class we decided to share the class content with the rest of the Zentangle community, so here is a summary of the class and a link at the end to the class handout. Enjoy!

Math Strings: Fibonacci Numbers, the Golden Ratio, and the Golden Spiral

What is it about some objects that make them aesthetically pleasing? It is thought one answer to this question is the Golden Ratio, also known as Phi and represented by the Greek letter Φ. The Golden Ratio is a mathematical relationship that exists in art, shapes, nature, and patterns. This ratio is 1 to 1.618 (rounded).

One cannot talk about the Golden Ratio without also mentioning the Fibonacci sequence. What is the Fibonacci sequence? It is a sequence of numbers where each number in the sequence is the sum of the previous two.

1+1=2, 2+1=3, 3+2=5, 5+3=8, 8+5=13… OR  2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144…

The relationship of each number to the next number in the sequence is a very close approximation of the Golden Ratio.

The Fibonacci sequence and the Golden Ratio are evident all around you from the microscopic to the macroscopic (see the link at the end of this blog for examples). Here is one example you can try yourself. Hold out your first finger. Note that the length of the first and second bones added together equals the length of the third. 1+2=3 seem familiar?

This length relationship (ratio) allows your fingers to fold into a compact spiral to form a fist.

The Golden Ratio is also used in defining a Golden Rectangle and a Golden Spiral.

The length of each side of a Golden Rectangle is determined according to the Golden Ratio. The ratio of the shorter side to the longer side is 1 to 1.618. If you define the largest square possible inside a golden rectangle, what is left over is a smaller golden rectangle. This process can be repeated with each golden rectangle, and each square maintains the golden ratio to the previous square. Adding a quarter arc to each square results in a Golden Spiral.

The Golden Ratio, along with other maths, seems to be important in defining the framework of our universe or, to put it in Zentangle terms, “the strings” that determine how some things look and act. We are not always aware of their existence because, like the strings on a Zentangle tile, they disappear beneath the surface, but they are there, and they beautifully demonstrate the Zentangle concept of the “elegance of limits.”

It is the Golden Spiral we have chosen as our “math string” for the class project.

Note the class handout goes into a little more detailed explanation of the Golden Ratio, Golden Rectangle, Golden Spiral, and Fibonacci numbers, and I’ve provided some links to some fun and interesting information that can be found on the web. You will not be required to do any math to create this project, there is no test!

A word about the paper used in the class.

Part of what makes this class work is the paper. The paper is Fabriano Pergamon, weight: 230g/m², color: ivory. It is a semi-translucent parchment with a textured surface that provides just the right combination of opacity and translucence for this project. And yes, this paper is made by the same company that manufactures the Fabriano Tiepolo paper used for official Zentangle® tiles.

UPDATE Aug. 14, 2022: BREAKING NEWS! If you live in Europe, Pilar is selling these special Pergamon tiles on her site, Zentrarte, in both colors, natural and white. Here’s the link to her store:
https://zentrarte.es/producto/inspiring-tiles-square-pergamon/

NOTE: Here’s the good news, it’s available in Europe and Canada (happy face.) Here’s the bad news, we have been unable to find a source in the United States (sad face.) I’m not sure of its availability in other countries; I think it is also available in Australia. I am still searching for a source or an alternative in the U.S. If you happen to find a source, please let me know (Please Note I’ve already contacted the company Fabriano lists on their site).

PAPER UPDATE: I have located an excellent substitute for the Fabriano Pergamon Parchment. Here are the details:
Fedrigoni Pergamenata Parchment (manufactured in Italy)
Weight: 230gsm (85 lb. cover)
Color: Ivory (or natural) also comes in white

U.S. Links for ordering 27” x 39” sheets:
Dolphin Papers
John Neal Bookseller

U.S. Link for ordering 8.5” x 11” sheets:
Amazon

UPDATE Aug.14, 2022:  Apparently, this paper is not currently available through Amazon US. Try the following link instead.
Natural color
https://www.cardstock-warehouse.com/products/natural-pergamenata-parchment-cardstock-paper?pr_prod_strat=description&pr_rec_id=a4da600ef&pr_rec_pid=8533439809&pr_ref_pid=8533435649&pr_seq=uniform&variant=31958516531245

White color
https://www.cardstock-warehouse.com/products/white-bianco-pergamenata-parchment-cardstock-paper?variant=31958516727853

UPDATE Aug.14, 2022: Thanks to all those who have provided additional links for Pergamon or Pergamonata paper in other locations: I will update this list when I get additional information.

AUSTRALIA:
https://www.amazon.com.au/Parchment-Paper-PERGAMENATA-Cardstock-Warehouse/dp/B01N43Z0ZQ

CANADA
https://www.deserres.ca/products/fabriano-pergamon-parchment-paper?variant=39362001338501

GERMANY
https://www.gerstaecker.ch/FABRIANO-Pergamentpapier.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwuuKXBhCRARIsAC-gM0jl92EKZTyVhuAO_DUvfJ0IhbMAWsO8rsaP4QMoy6ffpgIhCuhFggIaAu36EALw_wcB

SLOVENIA
https://fabriano.com/en/product/pergamon/

UK
https://www.greatart.co.uk/fabriano-pergamon-paper.html

US
https://www.talasonline.com/Pergamenata-Parchment-Paper

 

I should also mention that I heard Fabriano is discontinuing the Pergamon but have not been able to verify. However, I believe the Pergamenata is also available in Europe and Canada.
UPDATE Aug.14, 2022: Verified that the Fabriano Pergamon is still available.

 

The class handout provides templates of the golden spiral going in both directions, and because of the translucence of the Pergamon paper, you can lay it over the template and use it like a pre-strung tile.

Pergamon paper taped over the template.

Phicops – the main tangle


We chose to use the tangle Phicops for our Golden Spiral project because it works so well on the spiral and has a connection to the Golden Ratio. It is by Laura (The Diva) Harm’s husband, B-rad. The story of Phicops, its step out, and its connection to the golden ratio can be found on Laura’s blog here.

Directions for drawing Phicops using the Golden Spiral Template can be found in the Class Handout.

Of course, you can use other tangles with the Golden Spiral too. Here are some examples of other tangled spirals using Molygon, Echoism, and Paradox.

Using Molygon and Echoism in a double spiral.

Using Paradox on a single spiral.

But wait, there’s more! Now for the surprise…
One of the reasons the Fabriano Pergamon paper was chosen for this project is its combination of opacity and translucence. In addition to the ability to see the template and use that as a string, one is also able to add color and pattern on the back. It will be barely noticeable from the front in normal light but magic happens when you view the drawing lighted from the back.

Here’s an example of what I mean.

Phicops embellished with Onamato and color.
Note the subtle Sandswirl in the background done in white gel pen.

Color was added to the back side of the drawing.
Note: it is barely noticeable in normal light when
viewed from the front (see above)


When backlit, the added color on the back is visible, and
the gel pen, since it is opaque ink, appears as a grey line.

Here are two more examples from the class in Cork. Thanks to Marguerite Samama and Joanna Quincey for giving permission to show their work here.

Joanna Quincey’s drawing in normal light (on top)
The color detail and added tangles are revealed when backlit (on the bottom)


Margurite Samama’s drawing in normal light (on top)
The tangle details are revealed when backlit (on the bottom)
Note also her variation of Phicops.

We hope you’ll download the Class Handout and give our project a try (even though you may have to find a substitute for the paper.) We have decided to offer the handout for free, but if you’d like to help us defray the costs of developing the class and providing the download, you can send us a donation through PayPal to lynn@atanglersmind.com (here’s a link that explains how to do that.)

Click on the link below to download the class handout PDF. You will need to know how to save a PDF from your browser and operating system. (Note: this pdf has been formatted to print on both Letter and A4 size paper)

MathStrings-The Golden Ratio

Finally, as promised, here are some links to interesting websites and fun YouTube videos about Fibonacci numbers and the Golden Ratio.

https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/nature-golden-ratio-fibonacci.html
This site has a fun interactive demonstration of how the Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio help plants to pack the maximum number of seeds into their seed heads.

https://io9.gizmodo.com/5985588/15-uncanny-examples-of-the-golden-ratio-in-nature
This site has examples of the Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio in nature.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahXIMUkSXX0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOIP_Z_-0Hs
Fun YouTube videos about the Fibonacci numbers and plants.

Give this project a try, and we guarantee you will create a drawing of divine proportions!

Blessings,

Lynn and Pilar

TransluZENce

I’ve been wanting to share the technique of TransluZENce and this week’s Square One Purely Zentangle focus, Membranart by Tomas Padros (step-outs found here), has given me the chance to do so. TransluZENce is a cousin to TranZENding, a technique recently introduced in a Kitchen Table Tangles (KTT) video by Rick and Maria on the Zentangle Mosaic app. While TranZENding is based on drawing one tangle on top of another and then using white to highlight and graphite to shade, TransluZENce is based on drawing behind and then using graphite to make it look like you are viewing the background through a translucent media like tissue paper or frosted glass.

I decided to create an example using Membranart and Hollibaugh as everyone is familiar with the draw behind aspect of Hollibaugh. Instead of Membranart appearing opaque it appears translucent, giving a glimps of what lays behind.

Here is how this illusion is created…

With your pen, start Membranart as normal.

Again with your pen and using the principle of drawing behind add Hollibaugh in the background.

Using a pencil on top of Membranart, connect up the lines of Hollibaugh that would normally be hidden.

Using your pen, fill black in the areas between the Hollibaugh lines in the background.

NOTE: this technique will be more effective if you use high contrast tangles in the background.

Now, to make Membranart look translucent, use your pencil to lightly and evenly add graphite to the spaces between Hollibaugh on top of Membranart. Smooth out the graphite using a tortillon or paper stump.

Finish the tile with shading to create 3D and layering effects.

Here is another example using Membranart (makes me think of something spilled on the kitchen floor.

And another example I did using Puffin and Showgirl back in June, 2017.

As is usual, if you would like to try anything in this post in your own work please feel free to do so. If you post your work, please use the hashtags #transluzence or #transluzent where they are allowed and let people know about this post. Many thanks.

 

Blessings,

Lynn