It's Been a Busy Week

It's been a very busy week here, so forgive me the long post. I know most of you are here for this week's Diva Challenge, so I will start there, but you can also find information about:

• the release of my book: Made in the Shade: a Zentangle Workbook
• a shading class to go along with the book
• now I'm a speaker, too
• virtual book club: One Zentangle a Day by Beckah Krahula

Despite all of the things I have to do this week, or perhaps because of  all of the things I have to do this week, I started with the Diva Challenge.  It's one thing I do each week for me.  It helps keep me focused and centered and helps me grow as an artist.  Sometimes life gets so hectic that unless I make it a priority, I can flit from task to task without doing anything that requires any thought or exercising my creativity. When this happens, I start to feel vaguely uneasy and unfocused. Tangling helps these feelings go away.

This week's Diva challenge was to use String #3 from TanglePatterns.com. I've never used a string from TanglePatterns before. In fact, unless I am teaching a beginner class, I rarely use anyone else's string.   For me, Zentangle is more about the process than the patterns, so I generally use official tangles and rarely explore TanglePatterns.  But I thought that since I was there I would challenge myself to use patterns that I've never used before. So, here is String #3 filled with:  2-in-5, capell,feather,girlande,japonica, ojo, queen's crown, ragz, raindotty, sand swirl (I really like this one), and zazzy.

Here, it is unshaded. I wasn’t sure I liked it very well before I shaded it.

After, it’s OK. By the way, instead of using a tile, I used my sketch pad and traced a CD as the outline for my frame.

Made in the Shade: a Zentangle Workbook

My book is now available for purchase! It has been a long, but rewarding process. I have learned so much, not only about shading but also about formatting, design, image processing, InDesign, Photoshop, and, of course, self-publising. So far, the reviews have been good. Kelley Kelly, whose tangle Thanksgiving is introduced in my book, wrote a review on her blog.

Made in the Shade: the Class

I am developing a 3-hour class to go along with the book. The first official class will be at the Retreat to Paradise in Indiatlantic, Florida on April 7-8. But, for those who live in Central Ohio, or who are willing to travel, you can attend the dress rehearsal for this class for FREE! All I ask is your honest feedback to help me make the class the best it can be. See the Class Schedule page.

Retreats, Here I Come

I have been invited to speak at two retreats the same weekend.  First, I will be introducing Made in the Shade at the CZT Hideaway in Indiana. If you are a CZT, check out this retreat. There, I will be introducing the book, signing copies, telling people about the writing/publishing process, and, of course, shading. Everything about this event promises to be special: the accommodations, the events, the hostesses. You name it.  I am sad that I can only spend a day and a half there.


But do not feel sorry for me.  The reason I can't stay is because then I am off to Retreat to Paradise. I am so excited to be spending 2 days on the beach. There is no place I'd rather be than walking on a quiet beach watching the sun come up.  And there will be some pretty cool classes offered there also.

Sadly, you must bet a CZT to go to that one also.
Not a CZT? Get a group of people together and call me.  I love to travel.

One Zentangle a Day

When I was at CZT training, I had the honor of meeting Beckah Krahula, author of One Zentangle a Day. She is one of the most remarkable women I've ever met.  She is truly inspiring.  So when I found out she was writing a book, I was thrilled. When I found out she was going to include a piece of my art, I was beside myself. (OK, so it is so small even I have trouble seeing it, but, still, it was the first time I'd seen my work in print.) I am not the only one who loves this book.  Several of us have decided to work through this book together, and I will be hosting this "virtual book club" here on this blog. We'll start on February 1.

To be realistic, we will only play during the week.  That way you will have the weekend to catch up if life gets in the way of your 6-Week Course in Creative Drawing for Relaxation, Inspiration, and Fun.

Don't have the book?  You can get it in "under a minute" because it is available for Kindle. The cool thing is, you don't even need a Kindle because there are Kindle readers for your computer and just about every device out there!

Your first assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to get the book and read the introduction. Then, come back on Friday as we explore Day 1 together. I hope you will play along.

Watercolor Journeys - Book Review

For my first art book this year, I chose Watercolor Journeys, Create Your own travel sketchbook by Richard Schilling.   I had a dream of making a gorgeous travel sketchbook from our trip to California.  So, I packed this book along with my watercolor pencils, my brush, and my brand new sketchbook.  I was so ready.

Except I wasn't.   I read Watercolor Journeys every day and enjoyed looking at all of the gorgeous artwork, but couldn't make myself start on my journal. I was afraid I might I made a mess.  After all, it's not like a Zentangle tile that you can just toss if you don't like it.  These pages are stitched together and I can't just tear one out without ruining the book.  I will admit it: I am a perfectionist.

The wonderful thing is, the more I read, the more I gathered up the courage to give it an attempt. If I had to sum up this book in one word, it would be INSPIRING. Here is my favorite quote:

"A sketch should capture the overall impression of a subject - there is no time for accuracy. Your painting is an artistic interpretation, and not an architectural rendering. Pictures, like the spoken word, are often more effective when condensed to their essential elements."

With words like that, Dr. Schilling give you permission to make your travel journal truly yours.  His artwork is beautiful, but he makes it sound so easy and is so encouraging, that I finally gave it a try.

I chose something simple, but that reminded me of our trip.  These bird of paradise were in bloom right in front of our hotel lobby.  And also everywhere else we went in California.  How appropriate for our week of paradise in the midst of a long, bleak, gray winter.

Watercolor Journeys is filled with a multitude of practical and useful tips that you don't need a degree in art to understand.  His tips on creating depth  and rules for reflected images are easy to understand and are exactly what is needed to make your sketches come alive.  He has just the right mix of practical tips and examples from his multitude of travel sketchbooks.  The man knows of what he speaks.

In addition to art instruction, Dr. Schilling gives advice on other aspects of travel journaling. He gives tips on everything from choosing the right journal, to finding the best place to sketch, to being safe while traveling, to what do do if it starts to rain.  If you want to keep a travel sketchbook or just want to learn more about the world, this is the book for you.

A Year of Art

As a child I always thought I'd make a living in art, but somehow ended up in computer science.  I loved the challenges of being a software engineer, but I always had some serious hobby that let me have an artistic outlet.  I went from ceramics to cross-stitch to watercolor to quilting to scrapbooking.   Then I dropped out of the workforce 11 years ago to be a full-time mom.

Somehow during that time, I stopped making time for my art.  Something about homeschooling...  But this year, that will change.  Besides being a CZT-to-be, I am going to find something else creative to do.  Right now, I have 10 art books checked out of the library!  They've actually been checked out for a few months now and are only making me feel guilty.  None of the knowledge has been seeping into my brain.  So here is the new plan of attack.  They are going back to the library today and I will only get one book a month and actually read it and attempt the techniques.

Here are the books if any of you are interested in joining me in my "art journey."  I'll post reviews throughout the year as well as my sketches.  Feel free to hold me accountable!