Zentangle Blessings!

Hi Everyone,

I haven't blogged since July!!  I know it's been a while!!  In September I lost a dear friend to cancer and my time for the months leading up to her death was filled helping with her care.  It was a privilege and a blessing to help in whatever way I could as she was positive and tough and full of life until the very end.  What helped me to be strong and positive and keep my sense of humor during this difficult time was a combination of the love and support from  my husband and friends;  the kisses, cuddles and sense of unbridled joy from my puppy Sophie;  and the passion, pleasure, and love for tangling.  Not to mention sharing this love for Zentangle with my students!  The day after my friend died, I had a class to teach and between the physical exhaustion and emotional sadness of the past few months, as well as the loss, I wasn't sure I'd be able to do it.  But, teaching the class was the best thing I could have done for myself.  It was a reminder that filling yourself with that which gives you joy is one of the most powerful ways to keep a full heart,  stay happy and healthy,  and feed your passion for life!

Speaking of joy -- this fall season of Zentangle classes has been exceptional in so many ways.  All the classes have been filled to overflowing (we had to open up double sessions for most of them).  And the lovely group of women who have participated in these classes have been fun and warm and talented and wonderful!  They have fallen in love with tangling and each, in their own way, have explored their creativity and taken pride in their accomplishments!

What follows are some pictures that capture the beautiful art created by students this fall. The first one is a photo of the amazing gems created by the students who helped launch my new class: "Zen, Gems, and Tangles...Oh Boy!"  These gems were created with color pencils!!!  Unbelievable, huh!!!  I will add a couple of extra classes next year as I know many of you want to take this and I'm keeping the class size to 6 for this one.

Artists:  Suzy Musil, Robin Clark, Georgia Kinkella, Jeannine Kecheley,
Ann Essex-Bankston and Betsy Kosier (Names are not in order of art.)

Then Robin Clark went home and created this gorgeous Xmas card using the colored pencil technique learned in class!

Artist:  Robin Clark

Renaissance Tiles Class - November, 2016

Zentangle 101 Class - October 2016

Artist: Anne Essex-Bankston ("Zentangle Inspired Art" Class.)

Artist: Sandra Chamberlin ("Zentangle 101" Class)

Artist:  Celia Nase ("Tangling on Fabric" Class)

Artist:  Linn Rippi (Zentangle 101 class)

Artist: Jill Elliot  ("Advanced Zentangle" class.)

Artist:  Jill Elliot ("Zentangle Inmspired Art" class.)

Artist:  Caroline Konecry ("Advanced Zentangle" Class)

Getting ready for the "Zentangle Inspired Art" class.

What a beautiful job they did! ("Zentangle Inspired Art" Class)

Just gorgeous! ("Zentangle Inspired Art" Class)

Artist:  Georgia Kinkella ("Sneakers with a Soul" class.)

Artist: Suzy Musil ("Tangling on Fabric" class)

Artist:  Marilyn Brainburg ("Sneakers with a Soul" class.)

Artist:  Patti Rodriguez

Artists:  Linda Kijanka, Theresa Breeden, Sofia Breeden, Darci Hayden,
Sonja Strom, Karen Guerin, Bonnie,  Pat May and Lin Riippi
("Tangling on Fabric" Class)

And I could go on forever with pictures of amazing and wonderful folks who've shared these magical and joyful times with me!  I wish I could have put a picture of every one who has taken the Zentangle journey with me on this blog!!

This month's tangle:  MOOKA

MOOKA is an original created by the founder of Zentangle, Maria Thomas.  It's a fun one and a bit different because the entire tangle component (called a "pod") is completed in one continuous stroke.  The a look at the step out:

Rick and Maria posted this video of their pattern MOOKA, inspired by the art of Alphonse Maria Mucha (pronounced MOOKA).  Watch it and enjoy!  The possibilities with MOOKA, you will see, are limitless. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-d2UdXAD7k

I love the organic nature of this tangle and tend to use it as Rick does.  Here's a picture of a piece of art I recently created for my new "Zen Gems, and Tangles ... Oh Boy" class.  Notice how I used MOOKA (it's between the gold and turquoise gem).  Instead of turning inward, my two pods turn away from each other,  And, I've filled the middle with different tangles and topped it off with Fescu.

My warmest wishes for a safe and wonderful holiday season.  May the new year bring you and yours good health, an abundance of joy, and all your heart desires.  

Happy tangling 😍

Audrey

"SNEAK" a Peak ...

....at the results of our "Sneakers With A Soul Class!"

Pictures say it all ... just take a look at some of the results of the recent "Sneakers With A Soul" workshop.  This class is the culmination of a series of 8 that build on each other and allow students to absolutely blossom and creatively take this art form into new realms!

Artist:  Marilyn "Pettie" Braninburg

Artist:  Sheryl Burrows

Artist:  Georgia Kinkella

Artist:  Suzy Musill

The side images and back views of the shoes are simply creative and gorgeous!!! Keep your eye out when you are about town for the wonderful women wearing these gems!!! Thank you ladies for your energy, enthusiasm and spirit ... you have helped to make this season of Zentangle a total joy!!!

It has been a wonderful spring in so many ways.  I attended Tangle University again in April and returned inspired and excited about adding two new classes this fall!!! Yay!!! 

It's also been a season that has allowed me to introduce the magic of Zentangle to a new group of folks, as well as provide advanced classes for those already hooked and loving this amazing and beautiful art form!

And, we got a new puppy!  I'd be remiss in not mentioning the newest addition to our family, Sophie!

Experiencing the world through a puppy's eyes has been fun and wondrous!  Everything she's seeing is for the first time and the playfulness, warmth and happiness (not to mention that fabulous puppy smell) she wants to share is heartwarming!  So we are in the housebreaking phase ... wish us luck!

And this month's new tangle  ... actually I have two for you!

BISCUS by Vicki Bassett

ROCK N' ROLL

(Part of the Diva Dance series of tangles) by Maria Thomas

I find these tangles fun to play with --  and, they truly lend themselves (as most tangles do) to shading!  Since the focus of this blog has been sneakers, I included BISCUS and DIVA DANCE on a pair of sneakers I just finished so you could see them in color AND with shading.  Take a look:

BISCUS is in the pick area.

DIVA DANCE is in the yellow area.

Well, everyone, have fun playing with these new tangles!  Stay cool and enjoy your summer!

And keep an eye out for new classes this fall!!!  

Happy Tangling, ♥️

Audrey

Happines is ...

Boy oh boy, does that describe Zentangle, or what!!!

Here's a link to an interesting article entitled "Calm Down and Get Your Zentangle On!" that talks about the benefits of tangling!  https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/arts-and-health/201403/calm-down-and-get-your-zentangle  One of the many important points made in this article is how if we get caught up in the judgement and evaluation of our work, we are no longer in the present moment and therefore unable to enjoy the actual creative process of tangling!

Also, a link to a piece that was recently on ABC news talking about Zentangle and it's ability to help cancer patients with their anxiety:  http://abc27.com/2015/12/29/zentangle-helps-cancer-patients-untangle-anxious-thoughts/

I, myself, am living proof that tangling can reduce anxiety.  I have what is commonly known as white coat syndrome, which means that my blood pressure, which is normally low,  gets elevated in a clinical setting such as the doctors office.  I have tried everything -- talking to myself, deep breaths, etc. and have found the only thing that works is tangling for 10 to 15 minutes while in the waiting room.  How wonderful is that! 😀

And this months new tangle:

ANNEE by Sandy Steen Bartholomew

This tangle makes a beautiful border!

Here's a couple of Zentangles I made using Annee, but NOT as a border:

Annee and Lacy Tangles

Annee and Huggins Tangles

Until next time -- be well, and happy tangling!

Audrey

Best Fishes!

As we welcome in the new year, my "fish" list for everyone is simply this:

Peace in the World

Peace in your Heart

Good Health

An Abundance of Joy

Love and Laughter in your Life

And, that you continue to enjoy and treasure

the magical and wonderful art form of Zentangle!

And this month's new tangle:  WISP

WISP by Audrey Markowitz 

Looks great with a stem!  

Here are a couple sample ZIA's with "Wisp."

Last month I launched a new class: "Grow Your Own Tangle Garden."  It was truly amazing!  Kind of a "PhD" tangling workshop!  :-)  Not only did it give me a chance to be with wonderful folks who have been with me through many Zentangle classes over the years, but it took everyone's tangling to a new level.  Just take a look at what these women did:

The photo, of course, doesn't do justice to these mini works of art.  Also, some of the folks had not completed working on them.

I know that many of you got closed out of this class because it filled up immediately.  I have one scheduled for June 8th this year, so sign up for it as soon as you can!  I'm thinking of adding another section even earlier than June 8th ... so, if you're interested, please email me.  Bear in mind that Zentangle 101, Advanced Zentangle, and Introduction to Renaissance (Tan) Tiles are all prerequisites for this class.  It was amazing ... and I know you'll love it!!

Let me take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for bringing your passion, enthusiasm, and participation to Zentangle classes!  Whenever I think of our time together my heart just overflows with joy!   I am so glad to have met you and look forward to seeing you again!! 

Hugs ... and happy tangling!
Audrey