I have recently joined a Zentangle group on Facebook. It is interesting to see what is uploaded - a lot of it is very artistic and beautiful. But there is not a lot of just doing it for relaxation, as I tend to do it (I was going to say 'use it' but that is a bit different, I think).
There are people there who are just beginning and they are trying to make great art almost from the beginning, It is not how I see Zentangle - which I also call doodling. And I see so much indigenous art that uses the same sort of patterns and techniques that I get a bit annoyed about people trying to claim that they are inventing the patterns - not that that is happening on the group I have joined. Although, some people ask what pattern have you used, suggesting that patterns have a name, and that implies, to me, that some people are claiming the invention of particular designs.
However, that is not what I was going to post about: I was going to say that I am finding inspiration (or even simple enjoyment) from finding possible designs as I am walking around.
Today I was walking the dog and walked under an oak tree that juts out over the little laneway that I was using. I looked straight up and was inspired by the patterns of the branches. I may never do a design based exactly on the photos I took but it was very relaxing and pleasant to see.
I have also discovered some sites about neurograhpica drawings - I think they are to help you meditate or deal with issues that are on your mind at the time. I haven't really got into it yet so am not sure. But it is quite interesting to see. Some of it is quite uncontrolled at first - you use a round object and push it around the paper with you pen, thus not being able to completely control it. Then you draw other lines and go from there.That's my very detailed and knowledgable take on it at the moment. It also has colour, which I tend not to use in my doodling (although a lot of the people on the Facebook group do).
