In Rosie's Book: Zentangle: Focus on Spiral Pattern

Why Rosie's Book?

While growing up, I had a dear friend, Renee, that lived next door and with whom I spent much of my childhood. We grew, in different directions, and went on our merry way. Many years later, I ran into her parents and they kindly reminded me of the laughs they still have over my book. “What book?” I wondered with a puzzled look. "I don't remember a book." Hardy laughter accompanied their response. At some time during our childhood, I tried to convince Renee about something that her parents didn’t agree with. I told her that proof of its truth could be found “in my book.” Naturally she went home and tried to convince her parents of the same thing but they weren’t falling for it. She needed an edge and told them emphatically, “It’s in Rosie’s book!” After they caught their breaths from reborn laughter, they let me know how “Rosie’s book” has been cited for many other things throughout the years. They’ve also mentioned that they’d like to see “Rosie’s book” one day. I can’t remember all of the things that I said were in “my book” but I’m sure my dear friend’s parents can recall much more than I ever knew about – LOL!!! So, here it is . . . my version of things you might find In Rosie’s Book . . .

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Zentangle: Focus on Spiral Pattern

I've recently returned from spending four very exciting (and mentally exhausting) days with a fantastic, 68+ strong, group of diverse individuals from all parts of the world.

We gathered at the Oakhurst Retreat and Conference Center in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, in the home town of Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, creators of Zentangle.

I'm thrilled to have been able to participate in Zentangle's 4th Teacher Training Seminar and look forward to sharing this amazing art form with others.

While wandering the grounds of Oakhurst, I came across this lone sprig of beautiful autumn flowers and thought that I may be able to recreate the spiral pattern of its petals.

With a few steps of simple, repetitive strokes, this makes a fine memory of my time there. (Note: this is not an official Zentangle, rather it's my own attempt at recreating this natural pattern.)

I began with a simple circle . . .

added a curved line to each side . . .

then another set of curved lines between those . . .

adding the same curved line from the outside center of one to the outside center of the one next to it, the shape of my spiraled flower petals begin to form.

It's all very symmetrical . . .

I added an outline halo, a.k.a. aura, around the outside of the curved shapes . . . twice.

This shape is so much more interesting after filling in an aura . . .

A solid dot in the center and a little pencil shading at each level adds nice dimension . . .

Here's another very different looking version where I attached an early curved line to a curved line below it instead of next to it . . .

I love that you can't go wrong . . . simple, deliberate, repetitive strokes, will always amount to something special.

This pic of a key fob shows how my spiral pattern looks mixed with some official Zentangles. Cool, huh?!?

I'm honored that Maria and Rick stood with me for this photo after I received my certificate of completion. I hope to present their Zentangles with the same love, care and pride that they put into creating them.

You can find out more about Zentangle, Maria and Rick here and here.

1 comment:

Zentangle said...: Rose, we are honored to have you as one of our Certified Zentangle Teachers. So many really fascination people came together at Oakhurst that week. It was magical. Each one of you made it so special. Please keep in touch. Best, Maria and Rick; October 24, 2010 at 5:30 PM