Studio Art: Zentangle

Today in Studio Art we will learn the basic of the Zentangle drawing technique which mixes different patterns of doodles together for greater effect.  Below is a short tutorial about the basics.  Today we'll begin working with some simple patterns in creating a nameplate that we will finish tomorrow.



This is a technique that can be simple or as you build layers turn complex based upon your design, skill, and precision.  Below is an example of a more advanced Zentangle within a simple design.  The use of patterns that suggest 3 dimensions adds a complexity.  We will experiment with some different patters, use of color, and designs in class and later working on our peace poster designs next week.



Here's a great Zentangle design to begin with that we will follow which uses a simple square inside a square with a circle interior.  The shapes and technique are pretty simple but together form a complex design which gives a good example of how the process works.

Studio Art: Sketching with watercolor

In studio art this week we are working on sketching.  We'll begin like I do with a quick warm-up like the zentangle above that I created on hall duty and then we'll start sketching the room.  You should draw 10 sketches from scenes around the room that aren't setup and well be working with pen, pencil, and watercolor.  Here's the basics: you're free to look around and create 6 sketches on tour own but 4 sketches should be standard- one should include a person, 2 should be created with watercolor first, and the last sketch should be of my film library behind my desk.  I'll grade all 10 sketches on Friday.



Here's an example of a sketch I was drawing in study hall that shows you my process but every artist works differently so you're free to experiment with some of the different techniques.  Additionally each table will get a brand new set of watercolors that the table is responsible for along with new sable brushes for each student that you'll use throughout the year.  Write you name on your brush and make sure you put it back in your shelf with your sketchbook each day because if you lose it you'll have to replace it!

Drawing: Alphonse Mucha and the Zentangle

We began drawing in our sketchbooks today with a great drawing method known as the Zentangle which fills in space with different textures and patterns.  The specific type of pattern we learned is based on the great Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939).  We began by drawing out our name is a design font or script and filling in areas around it using Zentangle patterns such as the Mucha pattern shown in the video above.  This finished design will be due on Tuesday and will count as the first grade of the year.  Below is a great tribute painting to Alphonse Mucha by the street artist Mear One from La Brea, Los Angeles.

Studio Art: Zentangles

In studio art we are finishing up our Zentangle drawings by digitizing and coloring them in Photoshop.  Above are a few great examples from: Bella, Georgina, and Brianna from fourth period.  Today is the final day to submit them so make sure you finish up and save them in the public drive if you haven't already.

Studio Art: Zentangle

Before our holiday break we will work on a unique drawing called a Zentangle.  There are a few great examples in the Zetangle Pool on Flickr and the video above is an example from Tiffany Lovering.  These are fun, stress-free, and in creating a zentangle the process is as important as the result so try not to be a perfectionist and let yourself go.