Zentangle Project Pack No. 19 - The 12 Days of Zentangle 2022 - Day 08

It has become an annual Zentangle tradition for us to celebrate the holiday season with a series we call The Twelve Days of Zentangle. For twelve consecutive days, we deliver daily tangling lessons, guiding you through the steps to create festive tangled works of art that are all part of the same theme.

Join us now for Day Eight, as our old friend Alfie and a couple of new friends take us through The 2022 Twelve Days of Zentangle.

“Hi Harold,” says Marasu and Alfie.

“Glad you could visit us again today,” adds Nomi.

Harold says “I had to come back. I’m fascinated with this way of drawing that you showed me yesterday. Just seeing all these possibilities makes me feel empowered.

Marasu says, "Take a look at this portfolio. Maria tangled these images."

What do you mean "tangled"? asks Harold.

"Oh, silly me," says Marasu. "We have all these Zentangle words you'll get to know. "Tangle" is our word for drawing patterns in a Zentangle way.

"I get it!" says Harold enthusiastically. This one is beautiful.

That one's called pouyang. We give names to all our patterns which we call "tangles," continues Marasu.

"What pattern . . . er . . . tangle are you are doing now, Nomi?” asks Harold.

“This is called bunzo. It’s fun and easy to tangle. And with all that ink, it's quite dramatic,” answers Nomi. “Bunzo has always fascinated me. It’s one of the simplest tangles, made up of just small curved lines that sort of nestle together, like they are trying to stay warm. The shapes seem to have a direction in mind, although I haven’t a clue what it is. What I learned is that it doesn’t matter. Bunzo can go under or on top of another tangle. Adding the rich (in this case) black ink in every other “crescent” easily adds drama in most compositions. I’m adding mine here and there for now. And I might add a few more before the12 days are done.”

“I agree," says Marasu. "It’s like a dancing tangle. Alfie, what song do you think it’s dancing to? I definitely hear a waltz.”

Alfie shakes his head. “No, it’s definitely a two-step. I remember watching my great-grandparents dance like that!”

“I think you’re right, Alfie. I can feel that rhythm in my drawing now. Feels nice,” says Nomi.

Meanwhile back at Zentangle Studios...

"Hey, Rick," says Alfie.

"Yes?" answers Rick.

"I think you got yesterday's picture mixed up."

"Let's take a look," replies Rick. "Oops, you're right! What can we do now? We've already sent out the newsletter!"

"How about we include the picture with Harold in the next newsletter and explain it to everyone?" suggests Alfie.

"Okay, good idea," answers Rick.

"Oh, and Rick . . ."

"Yes, Alfie?"

"Marasu is really happy you put in that picture by 'mistake'."

"Why is that, Alfie?"

"Because she thought everyone looked so good in it. She wanted everyone to see it even though we weren't planning to use it. So, 'no mistakes,' Rick."

"That's right, no mistakes. Thank you, Alfie! Let's show everyone that picture of when Harold came to visit on Day 7. Here it is!"

"Ta-Da!" shouts Alfie, Nomi, Marasu, and Harold in unison.

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This Zentangle series is unique as we will be working on one singular piece of tangled art over the course of twelve lessons. The customized surface will provide structure and a common element to guide us on this adventure together. We will methodically and magically add to the structure as we simultaneously discuss and share our system of collecting, deconstructing, and categorizing tangles. As we take you on an adventure, we will introduce you to our Zentomology™ approach. We will explore Tangle Genuses, or categories of tangles.

In true Zentangle fashion, our approach to this system is playful and open to exploration and interpretation. We use the Zentomology system as way to learn about the characteristics of tangles and explore how to use them in ways that enhance and balance our tangled compositions. As we dig into this concept, we leave a trail of tangled artwork behind us. Join us as we get tangled up in the Zentomology approach of studying tangles while creating one large piece of tangled art.

Each day, as we add to this singular piece of tangled art, we remind you to trust the process. Watch as this composition comes together with different tangles, concepts and your individual style. At the end we will bring all of the elements of the Zentangle Method together in a beautiful and unique piece of artwork.

Tangle along with Rick as he and Maria guide you through the eighth lesson in this series.

We recommend doing these videos in order, beginning with day 01. You can view all previous Project Pack No. 19 videos here.

Please share your creations on the Zentangle Mosaic App using the hashtag #PP19Day08 and #12DaysofZentangle2022.

Let us know your thoughts below and at the end of this series, we will pick a commenter at random from each day to receive a Zentangle surprise!