(Note: to see the full list of steps of the Zentangle® process, choose this link.)
Stirring, mixing, tossing, etc. is how we blend our “ingredients” together when we cook. In the Zentangle method of drawing, we add pencil and blend it to form shadows in/around our inked tangles (which we created in the previous step). These shadows make our tangles look 3-dimensional.
Note: A full understanding of creating shadows in art is beyond the scope of this website and, thankfully, not needed in the Zentangle process!
optional, get more info:
Explore the Internet to find lots of info on the very large topic of creating shadows in art. But for the Zentangle process, a basic understanding of shading is enough. On this website, I include some guidance:
- Me & My Shading – using a light source
- Demo: Carnation – focus on cast shadows
- Demo: Zinnia – focus on form shadows
or… just Do it:
- Use a pencil (traditionally a graphite 2B)
- Apply sparingly, along a line
- Use a blending tool (traditionally using a tortillon)
- Gently blend by moving pencil application, away from the same line
- Apply a bit more pencil, along the same line
- Blend, but not as far away from the same line
next Step:
- Add “flavor” with “spices” — Enhance!