Sunday, August 14, 2016

Principle of Design: Scale

Zentangle tiles are quite small at 3.5" by 3.5" so as to be something one can complete in a short amount of time. This constraint is another aspect of how the Zentangle Method is such an accessible art practice. In terms of taking on a new hobby and beginning a meditation practice, there is a convenience to knowing a simple tile can be completed in half an hour, or a complex one with detailed texture and shading in an afternoon.

But given the small size of these pieces, scale is a principle of design that I often forget to take into account.

In art, scale refers to the size of one object in relation to another. Variety of scale is an important part of creating a dynamic artwork. When I first started drawing this way, I made every pattern the same scale. I think seeing other tanglers' creations for the Adventures in Monotangles was the first place I recognized how varying the scale of a pattern could transform it.

I challenged myself to try to work with tangles in more than one scale on each of my tiles this week.

Diva Challenge #279: Duotangle Meer vs Auraknot
What stands out about auraknot to me is the way the ordered drawing-behind technique creates a weaving quality. What I like best about meer is the wavy ridge down the center that allows me to play with the idea of surfaces that face towards and away from the light. 

I used a Promarker Watercolor marker in Cerulean Blue for the gem and orbs, and I used Prismacolor markers in two shades of warm gray (30% and 50%) for the shading this time. I'm not sure if I achieved as much depth and contrast in the shading as I usually do when using graphite.


zentangle duotangle of auraknot and meer with turquoise blue gem
Duotangle: Auraknot vs Meer

It's a String Thing #157
With new tangle Abeko, a change of scale was easy as varying the size of the loops as I followed the spiral string in this week's prompt. Phroz has so many shapes within shapes that it needs some room to turn out right, but it was fun to pop a much larger version in the lower corner and bring out the 3D aspect of the pattern with shading.

zentangle abeko phroz red gray shading
IAST #157 Abeko, Phroz
6" x 6"
One reason that I am considering scale these days is that I have been having trouble with eye strain from working so detailed and so small. I've started cutting my own 6" x 6" tiles to make things easier on my eyes.

Even at 6" x 6", these diminutive works are tiny delights with all the minute detail, the way small wobbles of line are packed tightly together creating a whimsy and an authenticity.

What an impact then to see this type of art magnified to a much larger size, say taking up an entire wall? Looks like fun to me!



11 comments:

  1. Impressively beautiful, both of them! 😍

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Nadjezdah, and thank you for visiting!

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  2. Your tiles are both very stunning! I love the way you have used Meer inside of your Auraknot. The shading with the markers looks good, but I do think that graphite gives a better shadow. At least when I try it, it does. I love the blue pops of color on your Diva tile too. Using various sizes of your tangles as you did in your IAST tile made a fascinating piece or art. You're right, scale can make such a difference. Beautiful work, both of them.

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    1. Thanks so much, LezliB! Yes, I've been working on my shading with pencil for a while and love how it can transform a tile, but I'm still new to using markers. I think I need to get a few darker grays to really get the depth. Thanks for visiting!

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  3. I'm glad to "meet" you back on the DIva's site, I like your art, your two tiles are beautiful and special with wonderful colored accents and contrasts!

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    1. Hi Ria! Yes, it's been a while since I posted a Diva challenge tile, but I hope to continue. I've seen so many lovely colorful tiles lately that I had to make some too. Thanks for your sweet comments!

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  4. Your IAST tile really deserve to be the tile of honors! Absolute beautiful. The Diva one also looks great.

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    1. Thank you so much for your comments, Susan. I saw so many beautiful IAST tiles this week that I admired (including yours!) that I found it a delightful surprise. Thanks for visiting!

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  6. I love them both! You have a nice way with the patterns & the pen:) I, too, live in WA state & i'd love to have a tangle buddy if you live anywhere near Centralia. Keep up the good work, you're a great inspiration to us all.

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    1. Thanks so much, LindyLu! It's so nice to meet another tangler from WA state. I live just east of the Seattle area. If you ever come up this way, maybe we can meet for some coffee or tea & tangling!

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