Tangling for Beginners - motifs

So far, if you've read my other posts, we've learned how to do the basic tangling methods from Walter Foster in his book "The Art of Tangling". So, I thought now would be a good time to try something new and put it all together.

This is when it gets a little more complicated; I think so at least. Now it's time to make your own design. It takes creativity, so it's good or bad depending on the person. "A wonderful source of inspiration can be found in your favorite motifs..." (Foster, 20) In case you didn't know (because I sure didn't), motifs are a decorative design or pattern.

For this design, I used a bonsai tree for the outline. But, you can use any outline you want. Then, "fill them in with tangles that inspire you" (Foster, 20). Now, you don't only have to use the patterns I've gone over. In fact, some of them, such as roxi (the border), would not fit as well. This is when you get to be as creative and out there as you want.

So, which of the patterns in my tree is your favorite? Do you have another pattern you would use?

Tangling for Beginners - hollibaugh

The next tangle design was made by Molly Hollibaugh, who named the tangle, hollibaugh, after herself. I'd have to say if  I came up with something, I would like to name it after myself too!

This is the second method gone over by Walter Foster in his book, "The Art of Tangling". Hollibaugh is, "great for filler and it looks especially fantastic when it's drawn small." (Foster, 16). Most tangling looks better drawn small. It's not supposed to be big and obnoxious, just small and detailed.

To do hollibaugh, you draw two parallel lines next to each other, kind of making a stripe. You just keep repeating the parallel lines but draw them underneath each other coming from different angles.

If you don't like the sharpness, "For a softer effect, try drawing your parallel lines as wide arcs instead of straight lines." (Foster, 17) I don't really have a preference as to which I like better, straight or curved lines. I think it depends on what your drawing around it.

Which do you guys like better, straight or curvy lines? How come? What about the background, dots or solid?

Tangling for beginners - flux

When looking in a adult coloring book, have you ever wondered how the artist thought of the designs? Did it just come to them? Where did they learn the skill?

This is what I chose to learn about; The Art of Tangling

The first tangling method taught by Walter Foster in his book, "The Art of Tangling" is Flux. Flux "lends itself to so many uses. Sometimes I use it as a main focus of a piece. Other times, I sneak a bit of it in where I need fill." (Foster, 14). When you use Flux, you can use it for pretty much anything. You can make it be the star of the show and put littler things around it or you can work it in to a bigger piece. For the purpose of leaning Flux, I am going to use it as the main part of my drawing.

"Whenever I get stuck drawing a tangle, I deliberately make a mistake." (Foster, 15). Tangling is supposed to be fun! Don't get stressed about what it looks like. You're supposed to make mistakes, then just use some creativity to build it into your tangle. In fact, In the set I bought the book in, It comes only with two pens and a pencil with no eraser. Unlike other types of drawings, Tangling is supposed to be messy and imperfect. 

Normally, I am kind of a perfectionist. Tangling has helped me relax and see that things can work out, even if it doesn't go as expected. Not everything has to be perfect, it can still look good.

What do you guys think: Does Tangling sound better than drawing for you beginner drawers?