What do you need to practice Zentangle? Pen, pencil and paper, right? But, as Rick has been known to point out, you can also practice Zentangle with other materials that happen to be at hand including "with a stick in the sand at low tide". That idea stuck with me when I heard it during CZT training, and I knew at some point I would have to give it a try. So, with this Thursday 17th being Zentangle's tenth anniversary, this past weekend being the lowest tides for the month, and the weather forecast looking great, we took it to the sand.
It was such a big canvas, a little intimidating, but 'Anything is possible, one stroke at a time'. We started with familiar, comfortable tangles, a variation of 'Flux' and then added some 'Printemps'.
Experimented with 'Indy-rella' and Elaine added some 'Sanibelle'. Looking for a grid and some contrast we added some 'Knightsbridge' which worked really well! Grew some 'Antidots' (one of my personal favorites!) and Maryann and Carl worked on some 'IX'
What to do with the edges of the grids? Add 'Zingers'!
Getting to know our tools, we experimented with different ways to use them. This might have to be a new tangle? 'Rake Swirlz'???!
Taking photos at the end we discovered that the greatest impact came from photos taken facing towards the sun. From this position all the little shadows being cast by the raised sand lines created nice dark lines. Played around with angles and photo composition.
At the end of the day, when the adults downed tools, the children moved in to play among the tangles...
...and the seagulls arrived to see what they might find...
Thanks to fellow CZT, Elaine Huffman (to check out her website click here), for hosting us for the day. See you in the fall perhaps, or shall we plan for next summer?
These photos are phenomenal!!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun. . . wish I was there. I don't really like the beach much, but this I could get into!
Maria
Will let you know when the next one is planned :)
DeleteOh yes a special way to spend the day with sand between your toes tangling...wonderful!
ReplyDeleteCan't be beat :)
DeleteThis looks just awesome. Marvellous pictures...
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
DeleteAbsolutely AMAZING! Especially since you can't hold up the tile for inspiration. Simply beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYes, a small modification to standard Zentangle method...Instead of holding up a tile we did a lot of walking around to view it from different directions!
DeleteLife goes in circles. About the beginning of this year, I had my sketch pad out during a lull at work, and found artwork online from someone who had done mehindi style flowers on the beach.
ReplyDeleteI loved it so much I immediately grabbed a dark brown pencil and made many mehindi flowers of my own. Then I started searching for henna art, to practice that.
In my search, I "discovered" zentangle, adn have been hooked ever since...and now here you are, doing zentangle on the beach...
how cool is that!
Very nicely done, too. I want to find some sand and go for it myself.
And if you are not close to the ocean you might find a pond or lake that has a beach, or even a sandy area at a children's playground. Or make your own sand garden to tangle in. Try it in dry sand or damp sand (after rain!). Both have their own special beauty...
DeleteHave you tried brown pen on the brown Renaisance tiles?
DeleteLooks like everyone had a great time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful sight.
Tangle On! H. Shepherd CZT14
We did. It was a very special day!
Deletereminds me of the work of Andres Amador...
ReplyDeleteYes, he was definitely a part of the inspiration, though I have always loved to draw in the sand and let the waves gently turn the canvas blank again...
DeleteGreat Sandtangles! It looks like a lot of fun and a lot of hard work, but in the end, I am sure it was worth it. I am so glad that Maria and Rick sent us the link! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful! Thanks for sharing. I'm barely brave enough to work on paper, let alone in public on a vast canvas like the beach. But these are inspiring:>)
ReplyDelete