After Ron Barrett

Following the advice of Tommy Kane in one of his Sketch Skool lectures, I copied the work of an artist whose work I admire. Ron Barrett is a cartoonist who has published several books. These figures came from one of his children's books, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.

The idea expressed by Tommy is that you continue to learn and will eventually pull out your own style of drawing. I certainly admire Ron Barrett's style!

In the previous post I presented a zentangle done in my moleskin. Well, I decided to add more. I am just more comfortable with the added lines. Basically, I continue to learn.

Moleskin

It has been a while since I was able to settle down and focus on my moleskin. I felt out of practice. To some it certainly seems like doodles, but to others it is meditative process that challenges one to remember to use the many rules about balance that they have learned (and continue to learn) over the years. 

 

Often I find a few days before Christmas where there is calm and there is the opportunity to center oneself. Hope that you can enjoy that time.

Zentangle and cheer

The zentangle moleskin has been neglected. So I sat down to enjoy the process of creating. This was done with Micron pens and colored pencil. I continue to learn with every project. The background was done with three layers of colored pencil. I think that I am a little timid when it comes to doing areas. Still, I learned more about technique and layering.



I went to the hardware store and discovered this fat cat who didn't let a sale bother him. I learned that his name is Ace. This name is an inside joke to Americans. Ace Hardware is a chain hardware stores:)



Last is this unique tulip in our friend's garden. The distinct coloring in on one petal with others either red or yellow.




Ahh, the joy and beauty of spring!

One goal for this year is to create one mandala each month. Each time I do one, I try to push myself in technique and design. For February, I have done a colored pencil piece using the "Flower of Life" pattern. I'm a bit surprised at the secondary image and must decide if this is really finished.



Usually my pieces are 7" drawings on 10 by 10" paper. Canvas pieces are often bigger.

There just had to be a lady on the next pages in my moleskin zentangle. Here she is with her hair blowing. Color was added with colored pencils'



Have a nice day! All comments are appreciated.

Moleskin and figure drawing

Seems that I'm doing a lot, but have little to verify that fact! I glanced at my zentangle moleskin that has been sorely neglected. So, I happened to be in the local art store and found some acrylic templates. That is what I used for this circle design. I'm not sure if it is done, but this is its current look.

Figure drawing sessions are every Friday morning and this weeks model was Brooke. There are so many talented artists in this group. Luckily I sit next to a woman who is willing to share her observations. I'm slowly learning how to use pastel pencils.

May all who live on the East coast be safe. Gorgeous weather here in California which seems strange when you see the destruction getting worse each hour on the other side of the country.

Two more pages

Although I'm been working on a lot of projects, these two zentangle pages are finished (I think). There were a few compass guidelines, but most of this is freehand. That is a new experience for me. It's part of the build confidence in yourself that happens with zentangles.

It occurred to me that these designs do not have to be in a circle of square shape. As a reminder to me, there is no wrong in doing these designs. Well, I don't think that someone is going to zap me:)

May we continue to admire the athletes in the Olympics! How do they accomplish those feats?

Zentangle moleskin finished

The zentangle moleskin is complete. The project started in April and I've finished in October. Since there was now time schedule, I was able to let the pages flow at their own pace.

This dot page almost looks like an animal. That was unintentional.

Yes, there is satisfaction at completing this project, but a certain emptiness lingers. I am constantly alerted to designs and want to keep up my awareness. My regular journal or another moleskin? Such great things to ponder.

Zentangle Journal

The moleskin has only 2 1/2 pages left. It surprises me that I have come so far. What will I do next? Oh, something to ponder. I continue to find designs in some of my old journals and certainly in other blogs, magazines and books. Guess I've found my calling in detailed work.

(Click to view larger)

Well, my husband and I are off to see the grand kids. The twins will be one year old and we are going to help them celebrate. Hey, any excuse for a visit.

Zentangle moleskin continues

The journey continues and I'm getting near the end of this moleskin. I'm very glad that I decided to do this project and that I have actually continued to work on it. The quote is: The past can't be changed but I can alter the way I let it affect me in the present. I certainly need to remember that on the golf course.

In Davis, CA on Saturday, August 27, Pete Scully is leading a sketchcrawl. OK, it's not Lisbon, but we still have fun. Anyone near, please join us at the Co-Op at 6th and G Streets at 10:30 a.m.

Zentangle moleskin

My moleskin is about two thirds full and it's just letting me know that there are many more designs that could be added. One neighbor described my book as lace. I thought that was a sweet observation as I'm still wondering about my "style".

The following pages are rather intense. I challenged myself to fill in the sections which created by randomly dividing the pages. I just wasn't in the mood to add any color. I think that there is enough happening using only black!

Zentangle moleskin

Zentangles, as well as most any art, can calm you down and just allow you to be. I decided to add lettering to this moleskin collection. There are no hidden messages. In the pattern I simply used letters that would create an interesting pattern. The color is from colored pencils.

 OK, it's 101 degrees today, so the thought of staying indoors is appealing. Besides doing some drawing, I'm making a quilt that is coming together nicely. I'll show it when it's at a more finished stage.

Zentangle moleskin

The zentangle journey continues. Here is the latest installment which includes a face. I continue to be aware of shapes in nature as well as in magazines and other print media. This section is 3 pages of my moleskin.

 One evening I just plunked myself down, determined that I would do a sketch. With a Pitt pen I drew this violet (I'm so proud that it is blooming). Over two sessions, I added the colored pencil.

Triple digit temperatures today. I did have to water some outdoor plants as they were drooping by noon. Yikes!

More zentangles

I continue to work in my accordian fold moleskin allowing myself to just wander.

A friend suggested that I add iris since I had so much fun drawing them

at the old city cemetery. A nice idea!

Zentangle Moleskin

The journey continues. Here are sections 2 and 3 of this adventure. My goal is to fill an accordian fold moleskin with my zentangles.

I was trying to figure out my motivation to do this project and decided that this is a gift to me. This project is different than realistic drawings that I struggle to compose.  

Zentangle Moleskin

Many of us are enjoying doing zentangles. I have admired the journals where one person does some and then passes it on to the next. Well, it seemed like to much work for me to connect with people who really want to work in that format. So, I bought my own journal and have started doing zentangles just for me.

I really don't know where this journal will lead. I am sure than my style will evolve. I hope to enjoy the process. It's funny, I keep reminding myself of the freedom to do what I want. There are no absolute rules. I can create to my heart's content. Amen.