“One Zentangle A Day” by Beckah Krahula - Day 9 - Black Tiles
Today’s lesson was all about drawing on black tiles. There were no new tangles introduced.
Drawing on black isn’t any more difficult than drawing on white. However, you do have to think a bit differently. You are adding the lightest value to the tile with your lines. However, you are still adding shading and highlights to the same places as on a regular black on white Zentangle.
I chose to use an apprentice tile so that I would have a bit more room to play with. For me, it also makes it easier to work in one area while the ink dries in a different section.
Using a gel pen might take some getting used to. The Gelly Roll pens come in different sizes with 10 and 08 being the most common. A “10” is quite bold and the ink will puddle if you stop moving. The 08 makes a thinner line and doesn’t puddle… but it can also just stop as the ink on the tip dries up. I use a small, damp sponge to wipe off the dried ink and then scribble a little on scrap paper to get it flowing again when it stops working. This also works if a lot of dried ink is building up on the tip. Keep it clean and keep your line drawing slow and steady and you shouldn’t have many problems.
Before you add highlights and shading, make sure the ink is completely dry. I am in a climate that is normally very dry, so about 15 minutes or so works for me. Your milage may vary.
I do all of the highlighting first, using a white chalk or pastel pencil. Highlights go in the same place they would on a colored or white tile.
I prefer to shade with a black pastel pencil. Black colored pencil also works if you have good control over your application… You can’t spread it around like you can pastel or graphite. Again, shading goes in the same places it would on a colored or white tile.
I had fun doing this, since I haven’t done a black tile in several weeks. I loved using a black pastel pencil for shading… It’s like a magic wand, instantly adding depth to the tangles!
Zentangle drawn on a black, Zentangle Apprentice Tile using a white Gelly Roll 08 pen. Shading done with black pastel pencil. Highlights created with white chalk pencil.
#drawing #tile #zentangle #tangling #blacktile