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Book Review: Joy of Zentangle
This article is a review of Joy of Zentangle for the beginner digital artist.
Increase your zentangle skills
Zentangle—the art form of meditative art that blends creativity with mindfulness. For digital artists looking to explore this art style, “Joy of Zentangle” by Suzanne McNeill offers a gateway into the world of Zentangle, teaching advanced practices like shading. Let’s dive into what makes this book a go-to resource for artists of all skill levels and how it can transform your approach to digital drawing.
About “Joy of Zentangle” By Suzanne McNeill and others
“Joy of Zentangle” is a book that celebrates the art of drawing structured patterns, known as tangles, to create intricate, mesmerizing designs. Suzanne McNeill, along with her co-authors, shares her expertise in Zentangle, breaking down the process into digestible steps that even beginners can follow. The book goes beyond just introducing Zentangle—it delves into how it encompasses our everyday lives. Using examples from nature and everyday items, this book shows that anything can become a beautiful design. As a digital artist, you’ll find that McNeill’s guidance helps you appreciate the calming, rhythmic process of creating Zentangles while exploring new shading techniques that will enhance your other artwork.
Related Post: How do you Zentangle for Beginners?
Joy of Zentangle Teaches Artists Shading
One of the standout features of “Joy of Zentangle” is its emphasis on shading. While Zentangle may appear simple, shading is what adds depth, dimension, and contrast to the patterns, turning flat drawings into captivating, three-dimensional works of art. McNeill provides a thorough explanation of various shading techniques, demonstrating how subtle gradients and contrasts can elevate your Zentangles from basic to breathtaking.
For digital artists, understanding these shading techniques is crucial. Translating traditional shading methods to digital tools like Procreate can be a game-changer. McNeill’s approach makes the concept accessible, guiding you through the steps to create depth and form, which will enrich not only your Zentangles but also other styles of digital art.
Learn Zentangle Shading Techniques
Shading in Zentangle is about adding a sense of light and shadow, making your patterns appear more dynamic and alive. Start by practicing with basic shapes and focus on where the light source might be. McNeill’s book suggests starting with simple strokes and gradually building up layers to create a soft gradient. For instance, when shading a series of circles or curves, focus on darkening one side while gradually lightening the opposite side. This technique gives your tangles a spherical, raised look, enhancing the illusion of depth.
Experiment with cross-hatching, stippling, or feathering strokes. Each method can create different textures and moods, allowing you to explore a variety of effects. Understanding the basics of light direction and shadow placement will enable you to create Zentangles that pop off the page (or screen) and give your art a professional finish.
5 Tips for Zentangle Shading in Procreate
- Use the Soft Brush for Smooth Gradients: When shading in Procreate, the Soft Brush is ideal for creating smooth transitions between light and dark areas. Adjust the opacity for a more controlled, subtle effect.
- Experiment with the Smudge Tool: The Smudge Tool is your friend for blending and smoothing out harsh lines. It’s particularly useful for creating realistic shading effects that mimic pencil strokes.
- Utilize Layers for Flexibility: Always shade on a separate layer. This gives you the freedom to adjust, erase, or refine your shading without altering the original pattern. You can experiment without fear of losing your initial design.
- Play with the Opacity Settings: Adjusting the opacity of your brush or layer can help you build up shading gradually. Start with a lower opacity and slowly build up the darkness where needed.
- Use Color Variations: Even if you’re working with a black-and-white palette, slight variations in gray can add more depth to your Zentangles. Consider incorporating different shades of gray to give a more nuanced shadow effect.
Cool Uses for Shading in Zentangle and Other Art Styles
Shading is not just confined to Zentangle—its applications are vast and versatile. In Zentangle, shading enhances patterns, giving them a three-dimensional quality that makes them more engaging. But beyond Zentangle, shading can breathe life into other art styles. Whether you’re working on digital illustrations, character designs, or abstract pieces, the shading skills you develop through Zentangle can be applied universally.
For example, understanding the use of light and shadow in Zentangle can improve your character drawings by adding depth to facial features, clothing, or accessories. It can also help you create more compelling landscapes or surreal art, where playing with light and shadow can set the mood and evoke specific emotions.
50 Days of Zentangle Challenge
Looking to push your Zentangle skills further? Try the 50 Days of Zentangle Challenge! This challenge encourages you to create a new Zentangle piece every day for 50 days. Not only does this build consistency, but it also allows you to experiment with different patterns, shading techniques, and compositions. Document your progress, share it on social media, and connect with other artists who are also embracing the Zentangle journey.
This challenge is perfect for digital artists looking to develop their own unique style while mastering the basics. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to relax, unwind, and find joy in the simple act of creating daily.
Related Post: Find Your Unique Style and Practice Basics in Your Digital Sketchbook
Should You Buy “Joy of Zentangle”?
If you’re a digital artist eager to explore a new style or looking to enhance your shading techniques, “Joy of Zentangle” by Suzanne McNeill is worth the investment. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to Zentangle, from its foundational principles to advanced shading methods, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced artists. With clear instructions and practical examples, it’s an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to dive deeper into the world of Zentangle and apply its techniques to digital art.
Whether you’re seeking a creative outlet, a new hobby, or a way to refine your digital shading skills, “Joy of Zentangle” has something to offer. So grab your digital pen, open Procreate, and let’s get tangling!